| dc.description.abstract | The thesis explores the contracting-out business between the faith-based organization and local governments. Three objectives are intended here: first of all, to investigate the motivations of the faith-based organization behind signing governmental contracts. Secondly, to analyze the current situation and issues after the contract-signing, which can be helpful for the evaluation and resolution for future contracting-outs. And thirdly, to explore the implications of faith for the faith-based organization in the contracting process, which can provide insights into the value and meaning of faith in the organization.
The thesis employs documentary analysis and use in-depth interview to collect data in this project, which include conducting semi-structured interviews with research subjects ─ the service centers of Eden Social Welfare Foundation and other experts and scholars, to understand the interdependency between the faith-based non-profit organization and social welfare contracts. To explore the reasons behind contract-signing, current status, and issues, the thesis looks into the following six aspects of the organization: objectives and missions, deployment of human resources, financial sources, services and clients, power and decision-making of the organization, and market competition and opponents. As for the role of faith in contracting process, the thesis analyses the position and meaning of faith inside the organization, as well as its effects on outreaching activities.
The thesis findings are as follows: the motivations behind the faith-based non-profit organization's decision in taking governmental contracts include mission, service demand, and financial source. Furthermore, singing the contract will expand the missions and affairs of the organization, which may cause strained manpower, resource dependency, and competition between different organizations. Additionally, faith would not influence the recruitment of manpower and the choice of clients, even though religious faith is the aim and meaning of the organization. Also, no religious preaching is involved when the organization is providing services. Finally, this research offers suggestions and policy advices to the development of the faith-based non-profit organization and governmental legislations, with regard to the project's finding. The thesis also presents the research limitations and potentials of my project, and hope that they can facilitate the future development of relevant researches. | en_US |