Purposes This study investigates the strategic bridge-building capabilities (SBBCs) of legitimating agencies (LAs). By focusing on the role of LAs in a faith-based setting, the study examines how these accreditation bodies foster intrasectoral collaboration and advocate for their members’ interests across secular domains and the broader socioeconomic landscape. Design/methodology/approach Evidence pertaining to LAs was generated through a scoping review, enabling primary data collection to commence with a survey. Survey responses informed the purposive selection of four LAs and fourteen affiliated organizations for in-depth study. Insights were further enriched through online interviews and focus group discussions involving sixty-four senior officials. Findings The findings reveal ten contemporary roles fulfilled by LAs in the sector examined. Through tailored strategic approaches and multidimensional bridge-building capabilities, these agencies promote convergence and encourage best practices among otherwise autonomous entities. Moreover, their activities exert a legitimating influence within the social sphere and play a pivotal role in advancing member congregations’ revitalization agendas. Practical implications It is anticipated that legitimating agency leaders and their affiliates will be inspired to adopt a more strategically oriented perspective on their roles, fostering more effective stakeholder relationship management and driving improvements in overall organizational performance. Originality/value This study contributes to the literature on LAs. By addressing a significant gap in understanding the SBBCs of these accreditation organizations, it aims to shed light on how their functions enable constituents to navigate operational challenges intensified by legitimation struggles.
Nweke et al. (Thu,) studied this question.