Functional Framework

A growing number of association practitioners recognize that the parallels among membership-based organizations open the possibilities for generalizations. These generalizations provide an opportunity to establish generic research questions. Answers to these will reveal general, specific, and targeted principles, processes and practices that can be effectively incorporated into the operations of these organizations. A special working group has been formed to examine and refine a framework defined based on the functions of these organizations. 

The model presented below reflects the current "working draft."  The next step will create greater detail with routine updates, starting in May 2010.

Contact us directly if you are interested in learning more about the model and its use in your planning efforts.

Functions of Membership-based Organizations

While membership-based organizations (MBOs) are not mirror images of one another, they do deal with common issues. By doing so, they develop a certain level of isomorphism that can be the basis for discovering some useful generalizations.

By examining these organizations from a functional perspective, the opportunities to identify similar processes and practices are simplified. This enables us to develop the materials and tools that, when used, get desired results.

The following six functions, illustrated to the right, are commonly found in all MBOs:

• governance & management
• membership development
• member services
• communications & public relations
• leadership development
• advocacy and influence

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The next graphic illustrates the general functional framework along with the seven critical systems needed to ensure efficient operation.

These include:

• membership development
• socialization & cultivation
• communications & public relations
• communications & marketing 
• member services
• information: knowledge management 
• leadership development
• competence & capacity building
• governance & management
• planning & operations
• performance evaluation
•   advocacy & influence
• information: advocacy management

A detailed guide will be available shortly.  For a full size copy of these graphics, click here.

For more information about this model, contact Trish Hudson 650.355.4094 or email at info@melosinstitute.org.