ECONOMIC-LOGISTIC ASPECTS OF THE OPERATION OF NONPROFIT ORGANISATIONS – CASE STUDY FOR GERMANY

Abstract

In contrast to entities carrying out commercial activity, non-profit organisations practically do not participate in the processes of market competition. This allows them to concentrate their activity on securing the qualitative level of provided services in disinterested way. However, achievement of this objective requires significant logistic effort to ensure proper synchronisation of the operations of various entities in accordance with the rules of cost-effectiveness. The paper presents results of studies aimed at identification of non-profit organisations operating in the sphere of transport in Germany and examination of the main areas of their activity, as well as an attempt to assess relations between these organisations and transport policy actors at various levels. Non-profit organisations represent a dynamically growing area of the economy in Europe. This sector is becoming an active participant of social and economic life also in Germany. In particular, organisations from this sector may play a large role in shaping transport policy. Currently, this role is vestigial, but the third sector will increasingly impact directions of transport policy, and should be treated as a tool for implementing this policy. The aim of the paper is to examine, analyse and diagnose activity of non-profit organisations in Germany in terms of the construction of logistics relations functioning in them, with special reference to the development of this sector as an employer and important stakeholder of the social and economic policy.