Identifying latent variables in nonprofit proposal writing: results of two structural equation models

Abstract

This study describes the results of two structural equation models tested within the nonprofit industry. Prior research requested that researchers assess complexity of proposal development, including collaborative and computer-based authoring. Complex interactions are difficult to directly measure, but factor analysis can account for latent variables. The study uses structural equation modeling to measure contributors to proposal writers' "Job satisfaction" and "Likeliness to contribute to knowledge management system." The researcher used a 126-item survey to collect 580 responses from members of professional organizations for fundraisers. Five significant pathways explained 25.6% of variance in "Job satisfaction": "Interpersonal trust," "Role in organization," "Learning via books/articles," "Relationship with management," and "Organizational processes." Three factors' pathways accounted for 21.1% of variance within "Likeliness to contribute to KM.": "Relationship with management," "Knowledge acquisition habits," and "Role in organization." This work contributes to a preliminary understanding of how communication processes contribute to the proposal writing process.