1. What do we mean by organizational resilience?
Organizational resilience is the capacity of an organization to respond effectively to change, to bounce back from unexpected shifts, to adapt successfully to new and unforeseen conditions and circumstances, and even to seize opportunity.
2. What are the seven characteristics of organizational resiliency?
Based on a review of the literature and discussions with approximately thirty foundation, OD and capacity-building experts, we selected seven areas that seem critical to nonprofit organizational resiliency:
- Culture & Learning
- Talent
- Context
- Planning & Execution
- Reputation & Communications
- Partnerships
- Financial Footing
3. Why assess your resiliency?
We believe organizations need to be adaptive and resilient to succeed in a dynamic context. By regularly assessing resiliency, you will be better positioned to build the capacities and skills needed to change and to achieve long-term success.
4. How do I score my organization on the Seven Characteristics?
Use the drop-down menu to the right of each characteristic in the Diagnostic tool to rate your organization against the elements of each resiliency characteristic. Rating a question “3” indicates that you think the organization is capable and reasonably resilient vis-a-vis that element. If you think your organization is in need of capacity building in that area, consider a 2 or even a 1 (poor) rating.
The Scorecard will automatically provide a graphical rating for each Characteristic. Using the comments section to record the reasons behind your ratings will help in planning capacity-building efforts and in documenting trends over time.
5. How does the Resiliency Diagnostic tool work?
The Diagnostic tool is a simple excel spreadsheet. Use the drop-down menu to provide answers to the questions.
As you work with the tool, it will display graphical ratings based on your answers to questions about each of the seven characteristics of resiliency. There is no overall or average rating since the average would mask both the greatest strengths and the greatest challenges facing your organization.
6. How will the Resiliency Diagnostic help my organization?
The Resiliency Diagnostic can help enhance your organization in three ways: (1) It can provide the basis for a constructive dialogue about your organization’s plans, challenges and funding needs; (2) It can help determine risks and mitigation related to your organization’s readiness to undertake new challenges; and, (3) It can help identify capacity-building needs of your organization.
7. As I am rating my organization, what is the point of comparison? Am I rating my organization as compared to other organizations in our field or as compared to our own past?
Neither. The tool will be most helpful if you rate your organization as more or less resilient related to your plans and goals. The question: Is your organization resilient enough to succeed with your goals and plans in a dynamic context?
8. How do I use the comments section of the template?
The comments section can be used to explain the basis of your rating. Using it to record the reasons behind your ratings will help in planning capacity-building efforts and in documenting trends over time.
9. Where can I learn more about the Seven Characteristics of resiliency?
You can find resources regarding each of the seven Characteristics of Resiliency on the Foundation’s Grantee Resources Page.