Comprehensive Analysis of an Existing Public/Nonprofit Organization

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Organization Background

World Wildlife Fund (WWF) is a 45 year old global organization with roughly 5 million members

globally. The organization was established as a worldwide fund raising organization dedicated to

promoting conservation of the environment and to supporting the efforts of other conservation groups.

Early projects included work with bald eagles and other bird species. The organization received funding

From the Smithsonian Institute in the 1970s, to study animal behavior and migration patterns with the

use of radio tracking devices. In the 1980's the organization began developing strategies for nature

conservation to promote the ongoing success of humanity, as a part of the natural world (World Wildlife

Fund, 2013). In 1990 the organization merged with the Conservation Foundation and began developing

programs of debt forgiveness for countries participating in and contributing to conservation efforts. In

the late 1990s the organization promoted research to determine the effects of man-made chemicals on

the endocrine systems of several species. WWF also joined efforts with World Bank, to develop

strategies to protect some forests and support sustainability of others. Since its inception, WWF has

established protected areas for wildlife around the globe and has developed programs to protect a

broad range of animal species and habitats.

External Analysis

In the early years, many citizens had little concern for the efforts of the organization, to protect

the environment and conserve natural habitats. The organization worked with conservation

organizations to gain support. Today, the organization promotes its efforts throughout the general

population and seeks donations from groups and individuals. However, the extent to which citizens

around the world relate to environmental consideration ranges from complete lack of concern to active

involvement in ecological and environmental efforts (Jenkins & Williamson, nd). WWF is gaining support

from both environmental and conservation groups and non-conservation corporations alike. When

corporations engage in such efforts outside their regular business practices, they send a message to

members of the communities in which they operate, that support of environmental and conservation

causes is acceptable.
While conservation initially focused on habitats and non-human species, it is increasingly

focused on improving the human condition, by promoting practices that help those whose basic human

needs are not being met, through sustainability and economic viability. "Economic growth and

development obviously involve changes in the physical ecosystem" (United Nations, 2002).

Conservation today considers more than just the physical environment. It takes into account the

indigenous populations that stand to benefit from the resources available in the ecosystems and how

to extend those resources to the benefit of both human and other species populations. The Hewlett

Foundation, for example promotes both environmental and educational advancement for those who

are at a disadvantage. Donors can choose from one of several areas of philanthropy in which to

support (The William and Flora Hewlett Foundation, 2012). Though organizations are successful in

encouraging citizens to become involved, they are also increasing their efforts, by trying to meet the

needs of a broad range of beliefs and concerns related to conservation and environmental sustainability.

Internal Analysis

though the WWFs intentions seem noble, any organization with a noble mission will face as

much scrutiny as an organization that does not state a noble mission. Though the WWF is committed

to improving conditions for conservation efforts of both habitats and inhabitants around the globe, it

will face many conflicts. Sometimes conflicts come in the form of trying to support groups or efforts

that compete for the same natural resources. Determining which areas to focus resources may also

become a source of conflict among the organization's members and supporters. "In a world of

numerous stakeholders and conflicting interests, virtue is often not enough to earn the trust of a

discerning audience" (Muratova, 2012). In other words, an organization's intentions to do good do

not necessarily translate into actual benefit to stakeholders and may improve the outcomes of some

stakeholders at the cost or harm of others.

Partnering with other philanthropic organizations, even on a global scale, does not ensure the

WWF will be able to meet the needs of all stakeholder groups of interest, or even be able to meet the

most pressing needs of stakeholder groups in does become involved with. The WWF operates 30

international offices around the ...