Towards a strategy model for voluntary membership professional associations in Australia

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to review the literature on 'third sector' organisations, and in particular identify the special features and planning requirements of voluntary membership professional associations (VMPA's) in Australia. Existing third sector empirical strategy research is in an embryonic state leading to vague and inconsistent findings. The Chartered Institute of Transport in Australia (CILTIA) is introduced as a case study organisation to research the identified issues. Strategy formulation by VMPA's is subject to complex and unique influences that have not been adequately addressed by current strategy research. Strategy issues requiring further research in Australian VMPA's are identified.