Abstract
The first thing to note about this impressive book is that it is not about management per se. Rather, the authors have very successfully targeted an important, but largely ignored, niche by helping undergraduate students explore the distinctive history and role of the nonprofit sector in the United States, especially its contributions to social, economic, and political aspects of civil society. The book focuses on the U.S. context with a few international illustrations for comparative purposes. The book is primarily intended for undergraduates and could serve as a companion text for courses in social work, public administration, and business administration. The authors even offer thoughtful tips on companion books for those audiences.
The book addresses an impressive set of topics, providing clear definitions at the beginning, then examining historical and legal foundations, theories of nonprofits, distinctive contributions of nonprofits to civil society, and the influence of the nonprofit sector on politics, social movements, and economics. A very thoughtful concluding chapter addresses future challenges and opportunities.
Aside from filling a gap in nonprofit texts, this fine book has much to recommend it as an instructional tool. Each chapter opens with a very clear set of learning objectives and a compelling story or thought question that captures the reader’s attention in novel ways (e.g., why do we spend more money on male pattern baldness than on a cure for malaria?). Each chapter also ends with key terms, discussion questions, and recommended activities to stimulate and extend student learning. The authors are skilled at selecting very interesting illustrations and examples of key points.