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  • March 2018
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GiveDirectly

By: John Beshears, Joshua Schwartzstein, Tiffany Y. Chang and Brian J. Hall
  • Format:Print
  • | Language:English
  • | Pages:10
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Abstract

How should nonprofits design compensation systems to attract and retain talent? GiveDirectly is a respected charitable organization with an unconventional approach. Instead of spending on traditional aid programs in areas such as health care and food access in developing countries, GiveDirectly transfers cash directly to the poor. As experiments have shown this approach to be an effective and efficient way to improve recipients’ life satisfaction, the organization has attracted considerable attention among donors and the media. Now, GiveDirectly is looking to grow, and it is contemplating how best to recruit talented employees and keep them motivated. In addition to offering salaries competitive with the private sector, GiveDirectly is considering linking employee compensation to organizational goals regarding the amount of cash transferred—an unusual strategy for a nonprofit.

Keywords

Nonprofits; Charity; Effective Altruism; International Aid; Compensation; Goals; Bonuses; Incentives; GiveDirectly; Compensation and Benefits; Motivation and Incentives; Goals and Objectives; Recruitment; Philanthropy and Charitable Giving

Citation

Beshears, John, Joshua Schwartzstein, Tiffany Y. Chang, and Brian J. Hall. "GiveDirectly." Harvard Business School Case 918-036, March 2018.
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About The Authors

John Beshears

Negotiation, Organizations & Markets
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Joshua R. Schwartzstein

Negotiation, Organizations & Markets
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Brian J. Hall

Negotiation, Organizations & Markets
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Related Work

    • March 2018 (Revised March 2022)
    • Faculty Research

    GiveDirectly

    By: John Beshears and Joshua Schwartzstein
Related Work
  • GiveDirectly By: John Beshears and Joshua Schwartzstein
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