Page 21 - Here and Now – Apr 2024

Navigating Disputes and Contretemps in Non-profits

Introduction

Organizations mirror the tapestry of the broader societal fabric,
bringing together individuals with varied backgrounds,
viewpoints, and aspirations. This holds true for non-profits as
well, where the added dimension of volunteerism injects a
unique vigour and purpose into the mix. However, this rich
diversity, despite being a pillar of strength, has the

potential to spark disputes and misunderstandings,
thereby straining the cohesion and efficiency of the
organization. Such conflicts become particularly
pronounced in contexts where accountability intersects with
voluntarism, magnifying the importance of discerning the subtle and often
complex interplay of overt and covert dynamics, alongside recognizing the needs
being met through these interactions. This essay seeks to delve into the frictional elements
within non-profit voluntary organizations, uncovering their roots and proposing methods to
adeptly manage and mitigate these challenges, with a focus on sustaining organizational
harmony and continued effectiveness.

Voluntarism

The ideology of voluntarism (Tönnies,1909) was born out of the doctrine that “will is the basic
factor, both in the universe and in human conduct.” Perhaps, this makes non-profits the fertile
ground that attracts a small yet diverse section of society. Whether theological or other,
people flow in to non-profits from diverse fields before they adapt to the order of the
organization. Nonetheless, despite the origins of voluntarism in the belief that willpower is a
fundamental element, it is crucial to recognize that this freedom of will does not extend to the

point of undermining accountability.

The Misalignment

Accountability stands as a foundational value within the organizational culture of non-profits,
embodying the principle that actions and decisions must be overseen and individuals held
responsible for the outcomes of these actions and decisions. This core value is paramount for
maintaining trust, transparency, and integrity across all levels of the organization. However, a
significant discrepancy often emerges between the values that non-profits claim to uphold
(espoused values) and the values they actually embody in practice (practiced values). This

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