Exploring the use of a business model framework as a tool to enhance effectiveness and innovation in environmental NGOs

Abstract

This dissertation examines the effectiveness of environmental non-governmental organizations (ENGOs) in Malta through a business model innovation perspective. It aims to explore the use of the business model framework as a tool towards achieving effectiveness by investigating how the business model framework and innovations within it, could help ENGOs in Malta respond better to challenges and pressures and hence become more effective. To achieve these aims, the researcher presents the following research question and three sub-questions: How can the business model framework be used to enhance innovation and effectiveness of ENGOs in Malta? a. What are the challenges and pressures in the external context that ENGOs in Malta are facing? b. How can the business model canvas be adapted to investigate innovation in environmental NGOs in Malta? c. How can business model innovation improve the effectiveness of ENGOs in Malta and the impact these organisations have on society? The research is exploratory in nature and is conducted using a qualitative, inductive approach. Leaders of ten ENGOs in Malta were interviewed using open-ended questions, and the data was analysed through a SWOT and thematic analysis. The main findings are that business model innovation is indeed linked to ENGO effectiveness, irrespective of size and resources, since innovations were found in every single organization showing that every ENGO in Malta is capable of innovating and doing so in a structured manner would help them become more effective. Business model innovation would help ENGOs be more systematic about innovation and effectiveness.