Abstract

Previous studies have found that commercialized nonprofits may be less likely to offer free access to programs and services. This study draws on theoretical insights from the literature on nonprofit efficiency, the principal-agent problem, and nonprofit professionalism, going a step further to examine when commercialization leads to the exclusion of those unable to pay. Studying performing arts nonprofits in the United States from 2008 to 2016, the results suggest that the observed negative effects of commercialization on free access are not due to commercialized nonprofit leaders leaning towards efficiency through a cost-benefit mentality or pursuing their interests, but due partially to commercialized nonprofits moving toward professionalism. The findings have important implications for nonprofit professionalization, co-creation, and revenue portfolio management.

摘要

先前的研究发现，商业化的非营利组织可能不太可能提供免费的项目和服务。本研究借鉴了有关非营利组织效率、委托代理问题和非营利组织专业精神的文献中的理论见解，进一步探讨了商业化何时会导致无法支付的人被排除在外。通过对 2008 年至 2016 年美国表演艺术非营利组织的研究，结果表明，观察到的商业化对免费表演艺术的负面影响并不是由于商业化的非营利组织领导者通过成本效益心态追求效率或追求自身利益，而是部分由于商业化非营利组织走向专业化。研究结果对非营利组织的专业化、共同创造、