Re-energizing the Not-for-Profit Sector: A Critical Discourse Analysis of Expenditures

Abstract

Discourse related to expenditures in the not-for-profit sector limits the capacity for these organizations to invest in long-term, sustainable solutions for change. Using a Foucauldian perspective and a Faircloughian three-step methodology, this study aims to highlight powerful discourse that impedes the change efforts of not-for-profit organizations. Employing a critical discourse analysis, this research identifies micro, meso, and macrolevel concepts present in the data that exemplify resistant perspectives related to expenditures. Employees, donors and volunteers are interviewed at a not-for-profit organization and important themes and concepts are identified. Findings highlight the need for this organization to offer alternative discourse related to expenditures and provides incentive to other not-for-profits to educate stakeholders around the importance of investing in long-term solutions to resistant social issues.