Culture and Ethics
The Board sets the tone for ethical and responsible decision-making throughout the organisation. Codes of conduct are one way of agreeing to setting out expected standards of behaviour and ethical conduct.
The board and its members have a leading role in promoting a healthy culture for the organisation they serve. Culture included shared values, norms practices and core beliefs which shape ‘the way we do things around here.’
The actions, conduct and behaviour of the Board, as the head of the organisation, will influence its culture and its reputation. Not for profit organisations usually start with a good reputation, after all they are acting for the benefit and interests of others.
Reputations are based on perceptions and opinions that people have, based on past behaviour or character. Boards are ultimately responsible for the development and enhancement of the organisation’s reputation.
Board conduct and ability affects the organisation’s reputation, whether it delivers on its purpose, staff morale, ability to attract and retain staff and volunteers, level of risk taking, and potential exposure to legal or regulatory action against it.
Codes of conduct are one way boards set out expected standards of behaviour and ethical conduct for their members.
Often desirable and expected behaviour is unwritten and includes:
- Reading board related documents before the meeting.
- Arriving on time and staying until the end of meetings.
- Not monopolizing discussion or talking over others.
- Responding to emails and other board communication.
- Giving each board member the opportunity to speak.
- Asking questions is not discouraged or belittled.
- Board issues are dealt with in the board room meeting and not in private conversations.
Resources
Drawing up a code of ethics
https://www.communitydirectors.com.au/icda/tools/?articleId=1344
Patrick Moriarty’s tips on creating a healthy organisational culture – Institute of Community Directors Australia executive director and head trainer Patrick Moriarty explains how to spot if your organisational culture is turning sour, and how to turn things around.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YPqqSYoNUls&feature=youtu.be
Institute of Community Directors Australia – People talking about organisational culture
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sUP-ZBQCMsU&feature=youtu.be
SportTutor learning platform’s New Governance 101 course has a module
https://sportnz.org.nz/assets/Uploads/Boards-Role-in-Organisational-Culture6.pdf
Kaupapa Māori Governance
Although good governance principles and practices are universal, no two organisations are ever the same. There are also particular characteristics of Māori organisations which bring extra dimensions to the practice of governance.
Governance for Māori organisations may require consideration of the following:
- Purpose of the organisation:
- The importance of tikanga and values:
- Long-term view:
- Appointment of board members:
- Board dynamics:
- Involving owners in decision-making:
- Commercial use of assets:
- The Treaty of Waitangi:
- Use of Māori terms:
- Business Failure – Public Relations:
To read the full text link to: Te Puni Kokiri’s site
Here is a literature review and other interviews on Kaupapa Maori Governance
Plus the following document gives interviews and views on Kāupapa Maori Governance