SWOT Analysis: Human Rights Campaign Human Rights

SWOT Analysis: Human Rights Campaign

Human Rights Campaign (HRC)

In brief, HRC "is the largest civil rights organization working to achieve equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender Americans…" (HRC, 2014). As the organization further points out on its website, it currently has a global membership of more that 1.5 million people. In this text, I conduct SWOT analysis for HRC. In so doing, I will be taking into consideration the HRC's weaknesses, strengths, as well as the opportunities and threats it is likely to encounter as it executes its mandate.

In the words of Hill and Jones (2012, p. 19), SWOT analysis is a strategic management tool whose key or primary "purpose is to identify the strategies to exploit external opportunities, counter threats, build on and protect company strengths, and eradicate weaknesses." In this section, I highlight the strengths, weaknesses, as well as threats and opportunities for my organization of choice.

Strengths

Dedicated Staff

A dedicated team is regarded the most important resources an organization could have. Those in positions of leadership at HRC are individuals of great ability and have significant experience on issues relating to human rights. For instance, the organization's current president, Chad Griffin, has according to HRC (2014) been involved in the shaping of "national policy debates around equal rights, clean energy, universal health care…" etc.

2. Size and Support Base

As I have already pointed out elsewhere in this text, HRC happens to be one of the country's largest civil rights advocacy groups. This gives it great clout in terms of visibility, and hence mobilization of grants.

Weaknesses

1. Focus on Numerous Programs

The large number of causes the organization pursues could negatively affect its effectiveness as far as success in any single one of them is concerned. In addition to fighting for the adoption of same-sex couple rights, the organization also champions for the rights of other minority groups. The organization has also in the past supported initiatives aimed at further enhancing freedom of speech.

2. Politicization

The top leadership of the organization has in the past been accused of political interference. For instance, there are those who believe that HRC has been co-opted by the Democratic Party (Sullivan, 2009). This is a weakness that could put HRC at a disadvantage when it comes to the execution of its mandate going forward.

Opportunities

1. Additional Grants

Human Rights Campaign is eligible for a wide range of grants from both the government and various private groups and agencies. It is on the basis of its sound reputation that HRC can be able to attract grants. Given that it could make use of these grants to further its cause, they could be viewed as an opportunity.

2. Development of Links with Commercial Entities

Currently, HRC derives a significant portion of its support from celebrity supporters. To advance its cause, especially with regard to LGBT rights, the organization ought to open new avenues of support. In addition to attracting charitable contributions, this will give the organization the opportunity to directly negotiate LGBT rights with employers -- so as to create equal workplace environments, one of the programs supported by HRC.

Threats

1. Economic Crises

It is important to note that whenever there is a recession or downturn in economic activity, the very first cash outflows that individuals, governments, and other agencies cut is charitable giving. Economic crises could therefore negatively affect the organization's ability to fulfill its mandate.

2. Risk of Impropriety

Unlike for-profit enterprises, not-for-profit entities are in most cases held to a much higher standard. In that regard, therefore, they must do all they can to avoid scandals of a financial nature perpetrated by any member of staff. A single instance of impropriety could be disastrous.

Lessons Learnt