Ethics

Ethics

Ethics

Introduction

Ethics exists in a multitude of formats from the philosophical and abstract to the realm of applied contexts defined by statutes and codes. All forms vary in their situational importance and some present as contradictory to each other. Scholars and students often find that ethical studies within a field follow a similar developmental pattern of moving from concrete, or black and white, to a more fluid shades-of-gray model. Narrowing the focus to applied, organizational-level ethics in the nonprofit sector we find an emerging body of knowledge that is moving along this developmental continuum (Milgram, 1974).

To advance the reader's understanding of this important subject, this chapter discusses a variety of concepts to provide a foundational understanding of ethics assessment relevant to nonprofit organizations. Discussions about the characteristics of the nonprofit sector, organizational culture, and the value of organizational-level assessment combined with the identification of salient constructs for assessing nonprofit ethics, the introduction of an empirically supported tool for assessing ethics in nonprofit organizations, and proposed future directions for this emerging field serve to accomplish this task.

The Importance of Ethics to Nonprofit Organizations

Ethics plays an integral role in the viability of nonprofit organizations for multiple reasons. Nonprofit organizations serve as stewards of public monies and as a result, they receive tax exemption privileges. This benefit comes in exchange for work and services they provide to the societal common good. Nonprofit organizations historically have filled the gap between (a) goods and services provided by business and government and (b) the remaining unmet needs of communities. This typically includes the specialized needs of marginalized populations. Since the work of nonprofits receives public scrutiny and often depends on the generosity of donors to continue providing services, nonprofits have a vested interest in maintaining ethical organizations. Even the hint or perception of unethical behavior can destroy ...