Advancing Together: Defining ‘Relational’ Part 2

In this effort to capture the meaning of relational, we now understand that it essentially speaks to connection. When we broaden out a bit and apply this to humanity, to have a relational outlook on social matters is to connect current happenings to relationships, or the lack thereof. It also means analyzing the contexts surrounding relationships and identifying what causes relationships to flourish and what causes them to fall apart. Most ambitiously, relational is the signature term used to describe a set of theories emphasizing that society runs on social interactions, sustained relationships, and social processes.

Let’s be less ambitious in our exploration of nonprofits as relational organizations. For nonprofits to be relational organizations, their connections and their ability to connect would have to matter. For nonprofits to be relational organizations, the quality of their relationships with their various stakeholders would have to play a vital role in their ability to raise funds, retain staff, demonstrate effectiveness, and remain united despite external divisions. If nonprofits are in fact relational organizations, they would require well-rooted knowledge-building processes that fully account for how they operate.

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