A master's thesis on CMI's image and reputation published (26.1.2009)

The thesis investigated Funder Perceptions of the Dimensions of Reputation of a Nonprofit Expert Organization.

The objective of the study, made by Laura Kaustinen of Helsinki School of Economics, was to identify the dimensions of reputation of a Finnish nonprofit expert organization, as perceived by the representatives of its funder organizations. The case organization of the study was Crisis Management Initiative.

The study explored the perceptions of CMI’s funders in order
to answer the main research question: “Which are the dimensions that form the reputation of CMI, as perceived by the representatives of its present funder organizations?”

The eight dimensions of reputation of CMI, as the funders perceive them, were identified in data analysis: visible figurehead, vision, public profile, innovativeness, performance, workplace, transparency and Nordic origin. The fact that CMI is strongly associated with its founder and current Chairman of the Board, President Martti Ahtisaari, was not just one of the dimensions of
reputation identified in the study, but also had a strong linkage to several other ones.

CMI was considered a forerunner in its field, a professional organization that may be unknown to the general public but is well known to the experts in its field. CMI’s Nordic origins were considered a positive quality, bringing Nordic values and way of working into the organization. However, the interviewees felt CMI has not been able to communicate its long-term vision well enough.

The interviewees also felt that the relatively large amount of personnel turnover CMI was experiencing proposed a risk to the continuity of the relationships, which now took place more on a personal level than the organizational one. Some contradictory practices in communication and project planning had also been noted and should, in the future, be avoided. Finally, recommendations on how CMI could, in the future, support the development of its reputation among the funders, were given.

The thesis is available in Pdf-form here: Click here