Theoretical Foundations of Non-Profit Governance

Non-profit governance draws on a range of theoretical traditions originating in corporate and public management but adapted to the distinctive realities of mission-driven organizations. This article critically examines the principal frameworks that inform governance theory—agency, stewardship, resource dependence, stakeholder, institutional, and leadership theories—alongside global governance standards. It argues that governance in non-profits is a multidimensional process combining oversight, trust, legitimacy, and adaptability. Rather than privileging any single theory, effective governance integrates diverse perspectives to balance accountability with innovation and contextual responsiveness. By connecting theory with practice, the article clarifies how conceptual foundations can inform the evolving dynamics of board–executive relations, organizational legitimacy, and performance in complex non-profit environments.