This study examined the work of health and health care non-profit organisations (NPOs) in the Russian Federation and how such organisations provide services to their clients. It adds to the debate on the role NPOs play in complementing and/or substituting for services normally provided by the Russian state.
Despite the importance on NPOs in ensuring a comprehensive health care provision in various context, the roles and the ability to fulfil their roles in the Russian context is not yet well understood. This is particularly true when considering that NPOs with social missions are the most prevalent type of such organisations in the Russian context.
Dr Sergej Ljubownikow from Nottingham Business School and myself – Prof Jo Crotty from Salford Business School – suggest that based on our findings:
“Russian NPOs in the health sector require the development of several organisational capabilities in order to effectively deliver sustainable services alongside the Russian State”.
What makes us think this?
The findings of the study
The aim of the research was to explore whether and how such organisations provide services to their clients and the extent to which these groups are a substitute for services normally provided by the State.
Volunteer Engagement in a Restrictive Context: The experience of Russian NPOs
The research found that Russian non-profit organisations in the health sector require the development of several organisational capabilities in order to effectively deliver sustainable services alongside the Russian State.
Specifically the research project highlighted that health NPOs in Russia need to:
- develop their skills and capabilities to engage with volunteers;
- be more proactive in planning for organisational leadership transitions;
- develop their advocacy skills in order to be more active in influencing the State’s service provision activities and resource allocation activities; and,
- be more active in exploring the diversification of both income streams and activity focus.
However, the research also found that NPOs with clients with HIV/AIDS engage in commendable and innovative ways to deliver their services drawing on both global best practices and on the most up-to-date research in their respective field.
The research also found that all of the participating NPOs where very proficient at navigating a very difficult official environment. Organizational leaders and policy makers will need to ensure that Russian health NPOs are given the support to develop the necessary skills and capabilities to take an active role in health care provision in Russia.
Organisational capacity of non profit organisations in the Russian Federation
This research was funded by the British Academy for Humanities and Social Sciences grant SG111936