What Are the Causes of Conflict in Charity Organizations?

Conflict in nonprofit organizations can arise from many sources.

In an ideal situation, every member of a nonprofit organization works toward the same goals with the best intentions. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. Control, strategic vision, mission, compensation and conflict of interest can tear apart even the noblest nonprofits.

Control

One of the primary sources of conflict tends to be over control of the direction of the organization. If the direction of the institution belongs to the board of directors, for example, the executive director should provide day-to-day management as guided by the board. Organization founders may have the most difficulty relinquishing power to a board of directors; on occasion, individual staff members may attempt to usurp authority from the designated administrators.

Mission

The mission of the organization is the overarching goal of the agency's programs and activities. Generally, the nonprofit's mission is agreed upon by everyone in the organization. Staff or board members, however, may attempt to hijack the mission and change the direction of the organization.

Strategic Vision

An organization's vision for the future can determine specific activities, capital construction, hiring and a program design. It's important that the nonprofit's vision be shared by all participants. This happens through shared planning and program development that engages staff and board members. Often, staff or directors can attempt to alter the shared vision for their own purposes. New buildings and programs built in response to the vision can give some individuals greater power or influence.

Conflict of Interest

Conflict of interest arises when a decision-maker (such as a board member or director) stands to benefit financially, either directly or indirectly, from decisions he has a role in making on behalf of the organization. The director or staff member in question should voluntarily recuse himself from the decision-making process. When this doesn't happen, it can cause real damage to the institution through infighting, lawsuits and internal conflicts.

Compensation

Most nonprofits make a practice of keeping salaries private. Because of licensing requirements or standards of practice, the value of a staff member to the organization can vary widely regardless of position, place in the chain of authority or seniority. An organization may need to pay more for one staff member than for another in a similar position. This can cause hard feelings and resentment among staff members if you don't keep compensation information private and instruct staff to do so.

References

• Dealing Effectively with Organizational Conflict
• Conflict: Putting it on the Table is a Recipe for Success