What’s at Stake?
The Association Community needs the small staff associations (SSA) for its Credibility.
In part one of this series, we recognized the severe resource availability difference facing SSA Executives. If we fail to act with better professional development and understanding, we will fail to strengthen the entire association community.
Dig Deeper
Those working to assist in developing SSA Executives, their associations, and subsequent practices must establish and accept that the differences are fundamental and require additional skills and professional practices.
Here are eight categories that require the association community to stand up for the small staff executives and their needs:
- Resource Constraints: (first mentioned in Part One of this series)
- Small Staff: CSOs in small associations typically have limited financial and human resources. They must be more resourceful and efficient, often wearing multiple hats to accomplish things.
- Large Staff: CSOs usually have more substantial budgets and larger staff teams. They can delegate more tasks and have greater financial flexibility.
- Scope of Responsibility:
- Small Staff: SSA CSOs often have broader responsibilities, from strategic planning foresight to day-to-day operations. They are more hands-on in various aspects of the organization. There is a difference in how, when, and to whom to delegate.
- Large Staff: CSOs in larger associations can have a more specialized role, focusing on high-level strategic planning and decision-making. They might delegate many operational tasks to their staff.
- Decision-Making Process:
- Small Staff: SSA CSOs may have a more streamlined decision-making process with significant personal interactions. They can make decisions quickly and often have a deeper connection with the board and members.
- Large Staff: In large associations, decision-making can be more complex and involve multiple layers of approval, thus resulting in a longer time to implement changes.
- Member Engagement:
- Small Staff: SSA CSOs often have more direct interactions with members. They may know their members on a personal level and be deeply involved in member and volunteer engagement efforts.
- Large Staff: Here again, CSOs may rely more on staff and committees to engage with members. They may have a less personal connection with individual members.
- Advocacy and Influence:
- Small Staff: CSOs in small associations may need to work harder to gain influence and advocate for their organization’s interests. They may have limited resources for lobbying and advocacy efforts.
- Large Staff: CSOs may have more resources for advocacy and a more substantial presence in their industry or field. They can often exert more influence on policy and regulatory matters.
- Organizational Culture:
- Small Staff: Small associations often have a tight-knit, family-like culture. CSOs in these organizations may have a more personal and close relationship with their staff and board.
- Large Staff: Large associations may have a more corporate or hierarchical culture. CSOs in these organizations may have a more formal relationship with staff and board members.
- Innovation and Change:
- Small Staff: CSOs in small associations may have more flexibility to implement innovative ideas quickly due to the smaller bureaucracy. It’s not necessarily more manageable but more streamlined because the association’s trust culture is built differently.
- Large Staff: CSOs may face more resistance to change and innovation due to the complexity of the organization and established processes.
- External Relationships:
- Small Staff: SSA CSOs may build external relationships with limited resources, relying on personal connections and networking.
- Large Staff: CSOs in large associations may have more resources for building external relationships and partnerships through delegation.
It’s essential to note that the specific differences can vary significantly depending on the nature of the association, its industry or field, and its unique circumstances. CSOs in both small and large staff associations play crucial roles in advancing the organization’s mission and serving its members, but they do so within different contexts and challenges. In future posts, we will explore these categories in more detail.