The significance of structural innovation for value alignment and social innovation in faith-based organizations: Reinventing organizations to dismantle powerasymmetries

Abstract

The growing literature on innovation in nonprofit and faith-based organizations (FBO) has focused more on what fosters innovation than what happens after the innovation has been introduced. This research explores the significance of structural innovations for equality in two global FBOs engaged in international missions and diaconia. These innovations were motivated by their values and consisted of reinventing Western FBOs as global coalitions where former partners in the Global South became full members with an equal voice and vote. This collective case study draws on analyses from interviews, observations, participatory reflection in focus groups, and document studies to show how these value-driven structural innovations that aimed at dismantling power asymmetries have initiated value-related outcomes such as identity processes and practices, thus aligning with the organizations’ ultimate goals and values. They also enhanced learning and innovative capabilities, leading to other types of social innovations and enhanced performance. This study highlights the significance of value-driven structural innovation for FBOs in making a social impact according to their values and for their long-term organizational survival. Based on our findings, we discuss practical implications, limitations, and suggestions for future research.