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Teaching Paper: Glossary of Legitimacy Concepts in Non-Profit Governance
Author: Dr. Anna Neya Kazanskaia
Publisher: NEYA Global Publishing
Article | NEYA Global Journal of Non-Profit Studies
Year: 2025
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0009-5669-1676
DOI: https://doi.org/10.64357/neya-gjnps-orglgernsustpbltrst-tp-04
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About the Article
Legitimacy is a multidimensional and contested concept in non-profit governance, shaping how organizations build trust, accountability, and authority. This Teaching Paper provides a comprehensive glossary of legitimacy-related terms drawn from theory and practice, encompassing legal, moral, representational, epistemic, and procedural dimensions. Each entry combines academic definition with practical application, enabling accessibility for scholars, students, and practitioners. By translating abstract concepts into actionable language and linking them to governance tools such as audits, participatory reviews, and stakeholder mapping, the glossary bridges theory and implementation. Designed as both a companion to legitimacy assessment frameworks and a standalone learning resource, it supports capacity building, institutional learning, and shared understanding of legitimacy across diverse NGO contexts.
Key Topics
- Non-profit legitimacy and accountability
- Legal, moral, and epistemic legitimacy
- Participatory governance and stakeholder trust
- Legitimacy threats and risk management
- Glossary-based learning and capacity building
- Conceptual frameworks for NGO sustainability
Suggested Citation
Kazanskaia, A. N. (2025). Teaching Paper: Glossary of Legitimacy Concepts in Non-Profit Governance. NEYA Global Journal of Non-Profit Studies. NEYA Global Publishing. https://doi.org/10.64357/neya-gjnps-orglgernsustpbltrst-tp-04
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