Theories of the Third Sector – Management Theories, Civil Society and Governance

22M1105

Master

English

5.0

only winterterm

1 semester

The module provides an overview of the third sector, focusing initially on the social science foundations of civil society organisations. It focuses in particular on the relationship between civil society, the state, and the market. At the same time, the module addresses the potential of civil society activity, fleshing it out by developing independent concepts.

1. Theories of the public sphere and the public sector from an economic, political, and sociological perspective
2. The history and an empirical analysis of the development and perspectives of the public sector in Germany and in international comparison
3. NPOs as an organisational form of civil society between the state and the market; systematic presentation of NPOs
4. Civic engagement, volunteering as a specific feature of NPOs, trends of civic engagement, and socio-political contexts of justification (lean state, social capital, communitarianism)
5. Logics of collective action
6. Professionalism and volunteering as a challenge for management
7. Concepts of management and strategy
8. Management requirements for NPOs, New Public Management, network management, governance

The total workload for the module is 150 hours (see also "ECTS credit points and grading").

• Written examination or
• Homework / Assignment or
• Portfolio exam

The portfolio exam is worth a total of 100 points and consists of a presentation (PR) and a one-hour written exam (K1). The PR is weighted with 40 points and the K1 with 60 points.

Written exam: see applicable study regulations. 
Written assignment: approx. 10-15 pages
Presentation as part of the portfolio exam: approx. 20-30 minutes

The requirements are specified in the relevant class.

none

Students who have successfully completed this module are familiar with the theories of the public sphere and the public sector from an economic, political, and sociological perspective. Students are familiar with the history and contexts in international comparison, as well as the areas of knowledge in the subject, with their specifics, limitations, terminologies, and prevailing doctrines. They also gain insights into the background of NPOs, as well as the challenges and demands on management. Furthermore, students learn to view civic engagement from different angles and to place it in the socio-political context of justification. They are also able to recognize and critically reflect on the limitations of applying business tools and concepts in the context of NPOs.

Students have a comprehensive overview of the diversity and development opportunities of the third sector, and are able to follow and participate in relevant academic discussions as well as draw conclusions for practice.

Students learn the relevant methods and techniques for developing and preparing relevant research questions.

Students learn the methodological tools needed to critically evaluate the social, economic, and political science debate and analysis of the third sector. They also apply the concepts and social science foundations to the development of NPOs.

The module is about developing innovative NPO concepts that are reflected and discussed in light of the state of research in the sector. In this sense, students generate their own small, scientifically innovative concepts for the central core of the Master study program.

By discussing scientific analyses of the third sector, students learn the skills of analytical and scientific argumentation. They also practice their communication skills by presenting their innovative ideas for the NPO sector.

Being the first module of Specialisation 1, it prepares students for the “Fields of action of nonprofit organisations” and “Interdisciplinary think tank” modules.

• Management in Nonprofit-Organisations M.A. (01.09.2024)

• Loer, Kathrin

• Loer, Kathrin