Habitat for Humanity International, a Charitable Organization

Introduction

Charitable organizations can be seen as those firms that are involved in community welfare activities. Charitable organizations do not have any profit motives in their activities. They are purely non-profit. The main goals are directed towards philanthropic activities. To optimize the benefits to the public through its activities, every charitable organization must ensure that its performance measures are effective and efficient. This will promote the economic use of the available resources that lead to maximum benefit to society. One of these organizations is Habitat for Humanity International.

Discussion

In its effort to meet its goals and objectives, Habitat for Humanity International has put down various performance measures. This is made in an effort to improve its performance in improving the welfare in society. Performance measures are one of the main factors that determine the performance of an organization. Habitat for Humanity International uses statistics to determine whether its activities are directing the organization towards the realization of its goals.

Habitat for Humanity International is determined to ensure that there is good housing for all. To achieve this, the organization works hand in hand with international donors from all over the world who funds most of its activities. The organization is interested in those donors who are more concerned with the adverse effects of poor housing on the security, health, and well-being of the children from less fortunate families (Habitat for Humanity 2011). Therefore, the donors are inclined towards the organization’s goals.

In the year 2008, Habitat for Humanity International was ranked as one of the top 11 largest homebuilders in the United States (Habitat for Humanity 2011). In order to achieve such a position, it requires determination and dedication in meeting the organizational goals and missions in the most effective way.

By liaising with donors whose views are in line with organizational goals, the organizations have managed to improve their efficiency. It has reduced the chances of misunderstandings between the stakeholders, a factor that slows down the decision-making process in many organizations. A slow decision-making process threatens the performance of an organization.

In Africa and the Middle East, Habitat for Humanity International is determined to provide housing for 18 countries in the region (Habitat for Humanity 2009). To achieve this effectively, the organization works together with families in ensuring that they are living in a safe shelter. The major effort here is to break the cycle of poverty.

As a result of the application of effective measures in meeting its goals, Habitat for Humanity International has earned a four-star rating for its effective fiscal management from Charity Navigator (Habitat for Humanity 2009). The company has managed to effectively manage its funds, the fact that has enabled it to be in the four-star rating award. The organization has revealed responsibility in executing its mission.

For any organization to be in a position to achieve such performance levels, it must apply effective and efficient means in achieving its target (Wilson et al not dated). Efficiency in resource allocation and effectiveness of the strategies applied are the major criteria that determine the success of an organization.

Conclusion

This study has clearly shown that Habitat for Humanity International has managed to apply efficient and effective measures in its operations. This has significantly contributed to the performance of the organization. Through the application of effective strategies, Habitat for Humanity International has managed to meet its goals of improving housing for the less fortunate in society. However, it requires a high level of efficiency in its operations to meet these goals. Habitat for Humanity International has demonstrated efficiency in allocating its resources. This has enabled the organization to win several awards and meet its goals at the same time.

Reference List

Habitat for Humanity. (2009). Building the next generation Habitat for Humanity International Annual Report FY2009.

Habitat for Humanity. (2011). Africa/Middle East. Web.

Wilson et al. (N.d). Accounting for Governmental & Nonprofit Entities 15e. ISBN: 978-0-07-337960-9