Asae Handbook of Professional Practices in Association Management - 3rd Edition by John B Cox & Susan S Radwan (Hardcover)

About the Book

Book Synopsis

The ASAE Handbook of Professional Practices in Association Management covers the core functions of association management at a high but practical level, making it a go-to resource for professionals who are leading and managing membership organizations and those preparing for the Certified Association Executive (CAE) credential. Now in its third edition, this core text in the ASAE association literature offers practical, experience-based insights, strategies, and techniques for managing every aspect of an association or membership organization.

Organized into 35 chapters and presenting information based on experience and proven research into the skills and knowledge required for successfully managing an organization of any size, this book covers governance and structure, leadership processes, management and administration (including finance and human resources), internal and external relations, programs and services, and much more. This new edition incorporates increased emphasis on the c-level judgment required of Certified Association Executives and CEO-aspirants, as well as more comprehensive coverage of essential functions such as planning.

• Covers the range of functions essential to managing an association
• Serves as a flagship handbook for CAE prep and is one of only five designated "CAE Core Resources"; new edition is applicable to prep beginning with the May 2015 CAE exam
• Information is relevant and applicable to students and professionals alike
• Edited by the founding editor of Professional Practices in Association Management and a CAE instructor with more than 30 years of experience in preparing CAEs

Put the experts to work for you with this essential resource--written by association professionals and experts with 300 years of cumulative experience!

From the Back Cover

Almost 20 years ago, Professional Practices in Association Management was conceived as the one-stop guide for anyone studying for the Certified Association Executive (CAE) exam. It has indeed become the go-to resource for just this purpose--it remains one of only five CAE Core Resources specified by ASAE: The Center for Association Leadership. In this Third Edition, it has been further expanded to appeal to a range of readers, including not only CAE aspirants but current and aspiring chief staff executives looking for an overview of the association management field.

The field of nonprofit and membership organization leadership embraces a wide range of functions and professional titles. Research has shown, though, that the specific knowledge and skills contained in this book are required for successful management of any organization. In this edition, the editors and contributing authors redouble their emphasis on the chief staff executive (CSE) perspective. The most successful association managers know how to think like a CSE, even if they officially fill a different role. Through this CSE-oriented approach, ASAE Handbook of Professional Practices in Association Management aims to make executives better across all functional areas of association management.

In an unpredictable economy, it is even more crucial to have a firm grasp on the business of running an association. An understanding of business topics from tactical planning to effective risk management is absolutely crucial for leaders who hope to ensure that their organizations thrive despite uncertainty. This new edition of Professional Practices in Association Management has an ever stronger focus on these important issues, in alignment with ASAE's recommendations. In the world of membership-based organizations, there is often an aversion to talking about money, but successful leaders cannot let matters of budget go undiscussed. Contributors to this ASAE Handbook discuss financial management and creating organizational alignment at a time when having a strong budget is so important. This new edition features:

• New content on the business side of association management, including financial planning, strategy, and risk management
• The latest understanding of how technology impacts the association executive or manager's role from social media and market identification to new legislation and regulatory concerns
• Increased emphasis on the chief staff executive (CSE) perspective - helpful to leaders in all specialties in understanding how to manage any program, project, or organization
• Experience-based insights into strategic planning as an ongoing process of optimizing management and creating effective change

Succeeding as an association executive is not always easy, but it is one of today's most rewarding and socially necessary roles. The experience- and research-based insights in this book speak at a practical level to both aspiring and experienced professionals. ASAE Handbook of Professional Practices in Association Management is, yet again, the definitive handbook for the profession.

About the Author

JOHN B. COX, CAE, was an ASAE Fellow who served twice on that organization's board of directors. He had a three-decades-long career in association management, including numerous executive and managerial roles.

SUSAN S. RADWAN, CAE, is owner of Leading Edge Mentoring, a consulting firm that specializes in governance and leadership issues. She has served the association industry since 1985 in roles as a teacher, facilitator, and executive staff person.