Human Resource Management in Nonprofit Organizations: An Analysis of the Adequacy of Written Policies and Procedures versus Actual Practices
Sharon Parsons, Robert W. Rutledge, Professor, Avis Evette Smothers

Abstract
Nonprofit organizations have been highly scrutinized and criticized by various media reports (e.g., the many scandals at the United Way of America over the last two decades). In order to reduce such criticism, nonprofit organizations must pay greater attention to their responsibilities related to "accountability."One area of accountability that requires particular attention is human resource management. This has resulted in a large number of legal problems related to personnel issues. This study contributes to the understanding of nonprofit organizations by examining two major areas of human resource management: (1) policies and procedures, and (2) standard/actual practices. Policies and procedure are found to be the weakest aspect of personnel management. The most problematic areas within the organizations' policies and procedures are general personnel matters, and labor and employment practices. Specific identified weaknesses are a failure to detail a code of ethics for employees, and a failure to provide training on ethics.

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