Evaluating organizational democracy

Abstract

In this study I propose a framework to assess democratic practices in non-profit organizations. The purpose is to identify actions that strengthen empowerment, examine how they are applied in the managerial and educational practices, and determine the outcomes for participants and stakeholders. I developed an assessment protocol based on organizational democracy principles through an examination of peer reviewed literature and field observations. I applied the resulting evaluation framework in a case study of Juventud FACETA, a program at the Amigos Multicultural Services Center, an organization that has sought to incorporate democratic practices in their mission. This study will be useful for 1) testing a formulation of criteria to examine and develop democratic practices in organizations and 2) designing a piloted evaluation protocol that can be used to assess organizational characteristics and actions that yield democratic empowerment outcomes among organization constituencies and staff dedicated to these principles in action.