The Impact of Strategic Leadership on the Management of Non-Profit Organizations Performance: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Nonprofit organizations (NPOs) play a vital role in advancing community welfare, delivering essential services, and supporting national development priorities. In Saudi Arabia, the nonprofit sector has gained increased prominence within the framework of Vision 2030, which highlights sustainability, innovation, and effective governance. Strategic leadership has emerged as a critical factor in shaping decision-making processes, human capital development, and accountability within these organizations. Despite this, systematic understanding of how leadership strategies influence nonprofit management and long-term sustainability in the Saudi context remains limited. This systematic review synthesizes evidence on the impact of strategic leadership on the management, performance, and sustainability of nonprofit organizations in Saudi Arabia. Drawing on studies published between 2020 and 2025 and selected through a rigorous PRISMA 2020-guided process, 30 eligible studies were thematically analyzed to uncover patterns related to leadership practices, governance frameworks, and organizational outcomes. The results reveal that strategic leadership enhances nonprofit performance by promoting ethical governance, encouraging innovation, and fostering stakeholder engagement. Effective leaders align organizational missions with national development goals, thereby increasing adaptability, financial resilience, and staff motivation. In addition, leadership development initiatives and gender inclusion strategies emerged as essential contributors to sectoral transformation and long-term organizational sustainability. Overall, strategic leadership is positioned as a key driver of innovation, effectiveness, and resilience in nonprofit institutions. Strengthening leadership capacities and aligning governance practices with Vision 2030 objectives are essential steps for ensuring the sustainable growth and impact of Saudi Arabia’s nonprofit sector. Future research should pursue longitudinal and comparative approaches to understand how leadership models adapt across diverse institutional and cultural settings