Nonprofit boards: Are they confused or missing in action?
- Related story from Blue Avocado: “What is Micromanagement and What Isn't?”
“When I look back on it,” says John D., the former executive director of a small but prominent nonprofit in Honolulu, “the board of directors just really didn’t understand what their role was.” He pauses for a moment, his face assuming a pained expression. “In some cases, they made their job more difficult by micromanaging the staff. But they also didn’t take care of their basic responsibilities, like raising funds or strategic planning. In the end, they made it impossible for me to do my job.”
His is a common sentiment among the leaders of Hawaii’s nonprofits, particularly those from small- and mid-sized organizations, who were interviewed by Dennis Hollier for an article in Hawaii Business’ November issue. According to Hollier, many executive directors, CEOs and even some maverick board members say privately that their boards are poorly prepared, misinformed and often burdened with damaging misconceptions about their roles.
When there is a lack of clarity about the relationship between the board and the executive director, and about their respective responsibilities, the article points out, this confusion leads to conflict and limits nonprofits’ effectiveness.
If your board is confused or missing in action, HANO's board training can help Hawaii nonprofits navigate through the issues mentioned in the Hawaii Business article. Click here for more information.
"Your story Nonprofit Boards: Confused or MIA? in your November, 2010, issue is certainly a wake-up call for many nonprofit boards across the state to reflect upon the governance of their nonprofit organizations," said Lisa Maruyama, HANO president and CEO in response to the article. "While the story sheds light on the most egregious of cases, it would have been fair and constructive to also feature examples of good governance. We know many stories exist of those doing their due diligence, even in small to mid-size nonprofits."
"As a voice for the sector, HANO values transparency and good governance, promotes professionalism and conducts numerous board trainings throughout the state so that the more than 7,000 charitable nonprofits in Hawaii can gain and maintain the trust of their constituencies -- government, corporate and private trust and foundation partners, individual donors and volunteers," she said. "While not the most flattering of spotlights for our sector, it certainly will spark needed conversation amongst us."
