21767 Not-for-Profit Sector Theory and Context

Warning: The information on this page is indicative. The subject outline for a particular semester, location and mode of offering is the authoritative source of all information about the subject for that offering. Required texts, recommended texts and references in particular are likely to change. Students will be provided with a subject outline once they enrol in the subject.

Subject level:

Postgraduate

Handbook description

This subject introduces some of the ways of thinking about the third sector and the community sector within it. Students study a growing body of knowledge about the third sector, its origins, dimensions and contribution to society, the economy and polity of Australia and selected other countries. It also introduces ways of thinking about the dynamic interaction between third sector organisations and the social, economic and political systems in which they are embedded.

Subject objectives/outcomes

Upon successful completion of this subject students should be able to:

1. discuss the diversity of the third sector in Australia and internationally, and the major bodies of theory which have been developed to explain the existence and contributions of the third sector
2. apply knowledge in dynamic environments through a conceptual understanding of non-profit community management
3. critically analyse and provide solutions to practical problems in the specialist area of non-profit community management
4. explain ethical and legal considerations in the specialist area of non-profit community sector organisations.

Contribution to course aims and graduate attributes

Third Sector: Theory and Context introduces students to the characteristics of third sector organisations and some of the theory about them. It is these characteristics of third sector organisations that provide special challenges to their managers and which are the focus of subsequent subjects. Students working in the third sector have an opportunity to gain a better understanding of the work by placing it within a wider national and international context and within the growing field of third sector theory.

Teaching and learning strategies

The Learning Guide contains readings, activities, issues and key questions. Students may also access information via UTSOnline. The Learning Guide will help students to manage their own learning, with aid from learning partners and academics.

Content

1. Australia's third sector organisations: differences and similarities
2. The third sector in a wider context: relationships with business and government, and relevant legal and ethical issues
3. The contribution of the third sector
4. International perspectives on the third sector

Assessment

Assessment Item 1: Assessment Task 1 ??? Three third sector organisations

Assessment Item 2: Assessment Task 2 ??? The third sector environments

Assessment Item 3: Assessment Task 3 ??? Major Essay

Required texts

• Mark Lyons, 2001, Third Sector: the contribution of non-profit and co-operative enterprises in Australia, Allen and Unwin.
• Reading Guide: Third Sector: Theory and Context

References

• Borzaga, C. and J. Defourny eds. (2001) The Emergence of Social Enterprise, Routledge: London.
• Anheier, H. and A. Ben Ner, (2003) The Study of Nonprofit Enterprise: Theories and Approaches, Plenum Pub Corp.
• Hansman, H. (1996) The Organization of Enterprise, Harvard University Press, Cambridge MA.
• Putnam, R. (2000) Bowling Alone: the Collapse and Revival of American Community
• Salamon, L. (1999) Global civil Society: Dimensions of the Nonprofit Sector, The Johns Hopkins Centre for Civil Society Studies, Baltimore MD.
• Warren, M. (2001) Democracy and Association, Princeton University Press, Princeton: NJ.