I suggest that boards adopt a corporate culture to increase their impact and outcomes. Corporate culture can be described as the beliefs and behaviors that determine how volunteers and staff interact and handle decisions. Some nonprofit boards refute the idea of corporate culture. Association executives ask, "Are you suggesting we adopt a business model?" The answer is a resounding, "YES."

 

From the perspective of volunteer leaders I’ve heard some unique replies, "We are an association - not a corporation." Or, "We are nonprofit so I don’t think a corporate culture would benefit us."