STRATEGIC ANALYSIS: UNITED WAY OF AMERICA

This research performs a strategic analysis on the United Way of America organization. United Way of America is a non-profit umbrella organization that provides guidance and authorization to local and regional United Way organizations (United Way of America, 4).

This research develops the strategic analysis of United Way of America through a focus on four foci of organizational analysis. The focus areas are (1) environmental analysis, (2) Porter's (139) Five-Forces Model, (3) strategic strengths and weaknesses, and (4) core competencies.

Environmental analyses performed by organizations concern the external environment within which an organization must function. Important elements of an organization's external environment are (1) law, (2) politics, (3) social structure, (4) economics, and (5) technology (Slevin and Covin 196-197).

Legal developments hold the potential to affect the functioning of the United Way. The Bush Administration has been unsuccessful in persuading the Congress to approve faith-based social service initiatives. Nevertheless, the Administration proceeded to implement some faith-based programs in the absence of implementing law. Faith-based service programs hold the potential to undermine the fund-raising efforts of the United Way, as some donors will assume that government funding is available to provide for the needs of charitable organizations.

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entry became higher for organizations that hope to challenge the dominance of the United Way. The barriers continue to exist; however, there are now conservative religious organizations and conservative political organizations able to challenge the United Way. Buyers The buyers for the United Way are the local organizations that look to the United Way for funding. For the most part, the power in this relationship lies with the United Way. Some organizations, such as the Boy Scouts of American, can afford to go their own way. Substitute Products For people in real need, there are few substitutes for charity in a country with a weak public service orientation. Similarly, for many charitable organizations that depend on the United Way for funding, there are no viable substitutes. Suppliers In the aftermath of the terrorist attacks in New York and Washington, D.C. in September 2001, the United Way experienced a surge in contributions. Subsequently, the surge slowed to a trickle. In the midst of a recession, the United Way and other charitable organizations are competing for a shrunken pool of charitable funds (Marks 441). The suppliers (in the case of United Way and its rival organizations, donors) hold the power over ch

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