Research conducted by the consulting firm Anthony Knerr & Associates suggests that there is a set of "common characteristics essential to institutional effectiveness and healthiness that cut across differences in organizational mission, culture, history, aspirations, program structure and organization design."

This article describes those seven characteristics, paying close attention to what is considered the most significant, which are: clarity of mission, continuing strong leadership, and a long-term strategic perspective." Without those three key factors, "organizations appear to be significantly hampered in effectiveness and overall vigor." "The healthiest organizations manifest strong performance in several of these characteristics;" these seven qualities are as follows:

MISSION: a clear, concise and compelling mission that is well understood by all parties, internally and externally, and relenting and rigorous management to the realization and execution of that mission.

LEADERSHIP: continuing strong leadership at both governance and executive levels.

STRATEGIC THINKING: central and continuing attention to longer-term strategic matters, manifest by strategic plans that are well executed and reflected in sophisticated and successful fundraising efforts.

PROGRAMS: activities and services of the highest quality that embody the mission and reflect the organization's strategic thinking, with results that are tangible, easily measured and effectively communicated.

COMMUNICATIONS: relentless emphasis on communications and focus on branding and image, both internally and externally.

TECHNOLOGY: effective use of technology for governance, communications, visibility, fundraising, financial management, evaluation and assessment and general administration.

THE BASICS: up-to-date by-laws, clear organization design, sound budgeting and rigorous financial planning and reporting.

Following more in-depth descriptions of the characteristics, the article addresses how organizations should take a proactive stance regarding threats to its viability and outlines significant future challenges for the field.

Research conducted by the consulting firm Anthony Knerr & Associates suggests that there is a set of "common characteristics essential to institutional effectiveness and healthiness that cut across differences in organizational mission, culture, history, aspirations, program structure and organization design."