Organisational Culture, People, and Leadership Development

This multidisciplinary field integrates organisational and individual behaviours, emphasising the cultivation of purpose-driven cultures, people-centred practices, and stewardship-oriented leadership to empower individuals and teams within social purpose organisations.

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Development Management in PracticeBook

30 December 2025

Development Management in Practice

This book is a compilation of research papers and case studies presented at ISDM’s Dialogues on Development Management (DoDM) event held in 2024. The book brings together a rich collection of empirical insights and analyses from practitioners, researchers, and development professionals engaged in strengthening the social sector in India. The volume illuminates how theory and practice intersect across three thematic pillars, Talent Management for Inclusive Development, Empowering the Marginalised through Intervention Management, and Organisational Efficiency in Sociological and Technological Dimensions, to advance the field of development management.

Why the Social Sector Is The Next Place To BeBlog

30 May 2022

Why the Social Sector Is The Next Place To Be

This article outlines the dynamic opportunities emerging in the social sector. It discusses how increasing investments in social innovation and purpose-driven work are transforming career landscapes and creating impactful roles. The post highlights trends that make the sector increasingly attractive for professionals seeking meaningful, transformative work and outlines the benefits of a career dedicated to achieving social change.

U&I: Nurturing Empathy for EffectivenessCase Study

2 March 2022

U&I: Nurturing Empathy for Effectiveness

U&I is a volunteer-driven charitable organization based in Bengaluru, Karnataka, India. It provides non-formal education to underprivileged children in 25 cities around India, through a network of over 2,300 volunteers. The casestudy engages with the ways in which conscious design can nurture structures, spaces and processes that enable the integration of an organization’s mission and volunteer model with the leadership’s core principles of empathetic care and authentic relationships. It provides an opportunity for learners to reflect on how designing for empathy can produce tangible programmatic impact, develop in-house leadership and build a self-sustaining organizational culture and volunteer ecosystem.

All Content

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Book
  • 30 December 2025

Development Management in Practice

This book is a compilation of research papers and case studies presented at ISDM’s Dialogues on Development Management (DoDM) event held in 2024. The book brings together a rich collection of empirical insights and analyses from practitioners, researchers, and development professionals engaged in strengthening the social sector in India. The volume illuminates how theory and practice intersect across three thematic pillars, Talent Management for Inclusive Development, Empowering the Marginalised through Intervention Management, and Organisational Efficiency in Sociological and Technological Dimensions, to advance the field of development management.
Blog
  • 1 June 2025

A Beacon Of Light In Pali’s Shadows

Student’s perspective on what development is and who is an Authentic Development Professional.
Blog
  • 1 May 2025

A Lesson In A One-Room Schoolhouse: Amila Khas Tola, Kharhara Village

Student’s perspective on what development is and who is an Authentic Development Professional.
Case Study
  • 1 February 2024

Beyond Compliance: Firstsource’s CSR Blueprint for Inclusive and Sustainable Impact

This case study explores how Firstsource goes beyond compliance in CSR by focusing on deep employee engagement and long-term, trust-based partnerships with NGOs to create sustainable impact. It exemplifies practices aligned with Philanthropy for Inclusive Development (PID) through inclusive hiring, volunteering, and community partnerships.
Paper / Report
  • 1 November 2024

Outcomes Readiness Framework

The Outcomes Readiness (OR) Framework provides a structured approach to assess and strengthen the ability of nonprofits to plan, deliver, and adapt programmes for measurable outcomes. It identifies three key dimensions—outcomes culture, outcomes-oriented systems and processes, and programme-level capabilities—that collectively enable organisations to transition from input-focused to outcomes-focused work. Developed through literature review, practitioner input, and field-testing, the OR Framework supports funders and nonprofits in aligning intent, practice, and performance for social impact.
Blog
  • 1 January 1970

How to use talent data for better decision making in Venture Capital and Private Equity

This article outlines how leveraging talent data can significantly improve decision-making processes in Venture Capital (VC) and Private Equity (PE) firms. It explains how analyzing qualitative and quantitative data on leadership teams, organizational culture, and employee performance provides a deeper understanding of a company’s potential. Data-driven insights help identify strong leadership, assess team cohesion, and mitigate risks associated with human capital. This approach enables VC and PE investors to make more informed investment decisions, optimize portfolio company performance, and drive long-term value creation by strategically managing talent.
Case Study
  • 5 January 2018

Impact Investing: Review and Research Agenda

This systematic review of 85 published articles on impact investing traces the field’s evolution from a pre-paradigm stage to scientific inquiry. It identifies six unique characteristics of impact investing (capital, engagement, selection, outcomes, reporting, government role) and notes a recent shift towards confirmatory studies. The article emphasizes the need for deeper exploration into concepts like selection processes, stakeholder management, opportunity recognition, and performance reporting to advance applied knowledge in this emerging asset class.
Blog
  • 2 January 2023

Top Career Opportunities In The Social Sector

Exploring Career Opportunities in the Social Sector in IndiaThe social sector in India has undergone a significant transformation over the last few years, offering diverse and exciting career opportunities to individuals from various backgrounds. Whether you are a student or someone with prior work experience, the social sector presents numerous intriguing job roles that go beyond mere financial success. This article will shed light on the evolving landscape of the social sector and how pursuing a career in this field…
Case Study
  • 1 April 2025

Teaching the Teachers

Adhyayan Quality Education Foundation collaborates with schools to implement self-review using Shaala Siddhi standards. At GSS Pabua (Arunachal Pradesh), teachers collect data on attendance, learning outcomes, and school resources via Google Forms and dashboards. These insights drive action plans across domains, from infrastructure to hygiene and exam scores. In 2023–24, attendance rose from ~30 % to ~50 %, and Class X pass rates jumped from 30 % to 83.3 %. Peer learning, cluster complexes, and evidence-based reviews enable more consistent and accountable improvements.
Paper / Report
  • 1 January 2022

Transforming the Data Landscape: Solutions to Close Gender Data Gaps

The report identifies 142 innovative solutions developed over the past five years to address gender data gaps across six development sectors. It emphasises practical, scalable approaches to enhance data collection, analysis, and use for promoting gender equality.
Blog
  • 4 March 2025

Exploring Career Opportunities In The Social Sector

Exploring Career Opportunities in the Social Sector in IndiaThe social sector in India has undergone a significant transformation over the last few years, offering diverse and exciting career opportunities to individuals from various backgrounds. Whether you are a student or someone with prior work experience, the social sector presents numerous intriguing job roles that go beyond mere financial success. This article will shed light on the evolving landscape of the social sector and how pursuing a career in this field…
Blog
  • 27 February 2019

I Am Because You Are: Cultivating Attitude & Gratitude

This post is a reflective meditation on interdependence and the power of gratitude. It argues that recognizing our interconnectedness inspires a supportive community ethos and enriches personal well-being. Through personal anecdotes and practical examples, the article encourages readers to cultivate a grateful attitude, strengthening bonds within social networks and fueling positive change in both personal and professional spheres.
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