1. Develop a Culture of Accountability and Transparency

Rules, standards, and practices are far more effective when the people they affect understand them, know why they are important, and embrace them. Teach new employees, volunteers, and board members about your principles, and give those with more experience refreshers and updates. Use your website, intranet, and other internal communications vehicles to share examples of good behavior and policies.

Resources:

The following publications and articles provide helpful insights on what it means to build a culture of accountability:

Obedience to the Unenforceable: Ethics and the Nation's Voluntary and Philanthropic Community by INDEPENDENT SECTOR, explains why nonprofit organizations need to promote sound ethical behavior.

Good Governance: The Devil is in the Details by William S. White, chairman, president, and CEO of the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation, uses the experiences of the Mott Foundation to show the commitment it takes to create an ethical, transparent organization.

Ten Things That Every Director Should Know For 2004 by Ira M. Millstein, Holly J. Gregory, and David Murgio, has ten items that a director should know to adhere to the spirit of good governance.


Next Page: Adopt a Statement of Values and Code of Ethics