The Ethos of Transparency is the latest topic of our great board resource “For Your Board”. This publication is for members to use as education for their Boards of Directors. You can download a printable copy and provide in your next board meeting for discussion purposes.
Ethos of Transparency
“Exceptional boards… ensure that donors, stakeholders, and interested members of the public have access to appropriate and accurate information regarding finances, operations, and results.” – BoardSource, The Source: Twelve Principles of Governance that Power Exceptional Boards(for purchase)
As not-for-profit communities, we have a responsibility to share accurate and timely information to the public to confirm our tax-exempt status is appropriate. Posting IRS Form 990, annual reports including audited financial statements and programmatic accomplishments and social accountability reports to our websites are the easiest way to demonstrate this responsibility to stakeholders.
Exceptional boards strive for a balance between transparency and confidentiality. They know who their stakeholders are and what they should report to them. They also ensure that all board members receive timely information to inform decision making. Remembering that governance is a team sport, exceptional boards nurture open exchange between the board and CEO to create a culture of trust.
Starting the Conversation
- Building Trust Through Transparency By Anne Wallestad for BoardSource
- Transparency: A Tool for Increasing Board Diversity by Andy Davis for BoardSource
- It’s Clear the Board Transparency of Today Has Many Looks by Jeremy Barlow for BoardEffect
- The Netflix Model of Board Transparency: Is it Right for Your Company? by Betsy Atkins for Forbes
- How Do We Rate Charities’ Accountability and Transparency? from Charity Navigator
- Ethics and Transparency Standards: A Must for Not-for-Profit Boards by David Tobenkin for LeadingAge
- Workplace Trust & Transparency (Ted Talk) by Ben Hempstead
- Why Transparency is Critical to Creating Trust in an Organization from Northwestern University, Kellogg School of Management #TrustProject
- Why Good Leaders Make You Feel Safe (Ted Talk) by Simon Sinek
Tools & Templates
- GuideStar Nonprofit Profile
- How to Repair Broken Trust: An Organizational Behavior Perspective from Northwestern University, Kellogg School of Management
- Five Things You Can Do to Lead with Accountability and Transparency from BoardSource
- Balancing Board Transparency with Privacy by Nick Price for BoardEffect
- Ethics and Accountability for Nonprofits from National Council of Nonprofits
- Financial Transparency from National Council of Nonprofits
Did you know that LeadingAge Kansas provides consultation services to improve your board’s effectiveness? Contact Debra Zehr at 1.800.264.5242 to learn more about how we can help you and your board.
For Your Board Topic Archive
- Succession Planning
- Strategic Planning
- Board Recruitment and Orientation
- High Impact Board Meetings
- Leadership Transitions
- Board-CEO Partnership
- Mission Driven
- Strategic Thinking
- Culture of Inquiry
- Independent Mindedness
Special thanks to LeadingAge Virginia for allowing us to use their “Guiding Governance” newsletter.
