Business Associations for the 21st Century is a management guide to help business associations around the world build a stronger and better business enabling environment through effective programs and advocacy efforts. CIPE partners, in particular, operate in some of the most challenging and competitive environments globally. In order to overcome the myriad of challenges and obstacles that business owners face, the business community must work together to advocate policies and reforms that enable businesses to flourish.
The guide compiles CIPE’s knowledge accrued from working for more than 30 years at the forefront of democratic and market reform initiatives with local organizations. Designed to provide business association leadership with tried and true practices and practical tools to help their membership, the guide focuses on the key areas and core competencies needed for a successful organization. These include:
- Strategic planning
- Governance
- Membership and key stakeholder groups
- Programs and services
- Advocacy and making an impact
- Coalitions and partnerships
- Communications and marketing
- Financial management
Through this resource, business associations can more effectively address the issues key for advancing good governance and free enterprise, which constitute the four areas foundational to CIPE’s work: democratic governance, enterprise ecosystems, business advocacy, and anti-corruption and ethics.
Business associations have a vital role to play in democratic and economic development by leveraging the efforts of business owners who individually are unable to address these key issues alone but together can effect significant change on both the governmental and economic institutions of a country. A stronger business association means a more effective voice for the business community to engage in transparent, constructive public-private dialogue.
Stephanie Bandyk is a Program Assistant for Global Programs at CIPE
Published Date: April 18, 2016