Leader-organization fit: Improving success in nonprofit organizations

Organizational study of leadership in nonprofit organizations has primarily focused on performance of the individual leader in relation to overall organizational outcomes. This study examined the fit between the leader's style and the organizational culture to determine if there is an effect on organizational outcomes and success as represented by one key indicator, the administrative cost ratio. This study also examined the relationship of leader-organization fit and leadership behaviors in community-based nonprofit organizations, looking at predictive characteristics related to successful outcomes. Results of this study indicated that certain characteristics of transformational leadership and culture were predictive of success as defined. The benefit of this study resides in its research potential to look further into predictive leadership characteristics that would assist nonprofit organizations in their selection of leaders.