Accountability and nonprofit boards
Updated: Sep 20, 2021
Expectations of nonprofit boards – and of those who serve on them – are established by tradition and maintained by the status quo (Carver, 2002).
An expectation of nonprofit boards is they are accountable to achieve something on behalf of the community that created them. How do boards establish what is expected of them?
Last night, I was struck by the ethical issues at the Wounded Warriors nonprofit. In the CBS News report, a long-time supporter and major fundraiser was asked if the board of directors should be held to account for the scandal that is now emerging. Without hesitation, the supporter said “Yes.” (You need to note that a CBS executive serves on the Wounded Warrior board.)
But what is accountability? How does a board know to whom it is accountable? How does the board know for what it is accountable? How do people in the community know that they are accountable to ensure the board is truly representing them? How does the board know what their community really thinks?
Over a period of several months, the Xylem Group has explored these questions with academics, nonprofit leaders, and elected government leaders. What we’ve been hearing and learning are being brought to a broader audience on Blab.
Look for more on Blab and join us when you can!
Carver, J. (2002). John Carver on board leadership. San Francisco: Jossey Bass.
