DEFINING EXCELLENCE IN HUMAN-SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS

For this research study, interviews were conducted with 51 managers of human service nonprofit organizations on the topic, ''What is an exce llent organization?'' An eight-dimensional definition emerged comprisi ng a sense of purpose, a focus on serving client needs, reciprocal com mitments to and from staff, flexibility and adaptability, internal pro cesses, congruence, and, as the motivating force for excellence strivi ng.