Organizational Assessment of Shelter Outreach Plus
Abstract
This report is an organizational analysis of Shelter Outreach Plus (SOP), a non-profit agency in Monterey County, California, providing homeless support and shelter, domestic violence victim support, and transitional support services for men and women. The report chronicles the study's findings with the hope and expectation of improving the working environment of SOP employees, improving organizational performance, and enhancing SOP's stewardship role in the community. The authors used a four-step approach in analyzing SOP. First, relevant material such as pamphlets, the website, and job descriptions were reviewed. Next, a series of semi-structured interviews involving 4 Board members and 11 employees was conducted. Then, a strategic planning session was conducted with Board members and employees. In summary, SOP was assessed based on document reviews, semi-structured interviews, a strategic planning session, and comparison to an organizational systems model (Roberts, 2000) that views the organizational components from a holistic perspective. Results show that there is widespread passion and commitment to the mission, including long-term delivery of multiple and unique services that positively impact the county. However, there is little interaction among the five program offices and trust and leadership issues exist between staff and executive leadership. In addition, SOP faces fiscal challenges brought on by statewide cutbacks and a lack of countywide visibility. Needed improvements in information technology are ongoing and a more decentralized decision-making structure is recommended for operational efficiencies and employee motivation. (14 refs.)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 2003
- Accession Number
- ADA420620
Entities
People
- Clare H. Wang
- Jeffrey G. Fisher
- Jonathan R. Czarney
Organizations
- Naval Postgraduate School