Building Stronger, Future-Ready Associations
ASAE RESEARCH FOUNDATION • REPORT RELEASED JULY 2026
Organizational Agility and Resilience Report Now Available
The refreshed 7 Measures of Success research series explores the organizational capabilities that drive long-term success.
The first release – Organizational Agility and Resilience – includes new research and a practical field guide to help leaders turn insights into action.
What is 7 Measures of Success?
For nearly two decades, 7 Measures of Success has helped association leaders understand the organizational practices that distinguish high-performing associations.
Today, the ASAE Research Foundation is refreshing this landmark body of research for a world shaped by accelerating change, artificial intelligence, shifting workforce expectations, evolving member needs, and increasing uncertainty. Rather than replacing the original framework, the initiative reexamines each measure through a modern lens to help leaders build stronger, more future-ready organizations.
The Refreshed Framework
Seven interconnected capabilities that contribute to long-term organizational success.
1. Member & Constituent-Centric Culture
Personalization, innovation, and mutual engagement to deliver meaningful value.
2. Mission-Aligned Offerings
Disciplined alignment of all products and services with mission, with courage to sunset misaligned programs.
3. Data-Informed Strategies
Evidence-based decision making balanced with judgment and adaptability.
4. Inclusive Collaboration and Engagement
Psychologically safe environments that empower diverse voices and meaningful participation.
5. CEO as a Catalyst for Change and Innovation
Visionary leadership that fosters bold ideas, empowers teams, and drives transformation.
6. Organizational Agility and Resilience
Foresight, adaptability, and confidence in navigating disruption.
7. Strategic Partnership Development
Collaborative alliances rooted in shared value to extend mission impact and strengthen ecosystems.
Key Insights from the Organizational Agility and Resilience Report
Our research reveals several important findings about how associations build organizational agility and resilience in today’s environment.
- Agility and resilience are complementary capabilities.
- Leadership and culture are stronger predictors of adaptability than organizational size.
- Organizations can intentionally strengthen their readiness for change.
- Building agility and resilience is an ongoing discipline.
- The Field Guide provides practical actions leaders can implement immediately.
Continue the Journey
The refreshed 7 Measures of Success is an ongoing research initiative from the ASAE Research Foundation. Future reports, executive guides, and implementation resources will continue exploring the characteristics that help associations remain relevant, resilient, and mission-focused in an increasingly complex environment.