Handling Ethical Dilemmas in Religious Non-Profit Communication
Author: Dr. Anna Neya Kazanskaia
Publisher: NEYA Global Publishing
Article | NEYA Global Journal of Non-Profit Studies
Year: 2025
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0009-5669-1676
DOI: https://doi.org/10.64357/neya-gjnps-eth-cm-rl-org-05
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About the Article
Ethical dilemmas are a persistent challenge in religious non-profit communication, arising from tensions between transparency and confidentiality, cultural diversity and universal principles, or accountability and limited resources. This article examines common dilemmas and introduces structured decision-making models—the Potter Box, the Markkula Center’s Ethical Decision-Making Model, and the PLUS Model—that guide organizations in navigating conflicts systematically. Complementary approaches such as mediation, open dialogue, ethics committees, and collaborative problem-solving are discussed alongside institutional learning through documentation and reflection. Case studies from health, disaster response, governance, and community development illustrate how faith-based organizations apply ethical principles under pressure. The analysis concludes that cultivating a culture of openness, embedding frameworks, and investing in training enables religious non-profits to handle dilemmas with integrity, aligning communication practices with both moral commitments and operational realities.
Key Topics
- Ethical dilemmas in communication
- Decision-making frameworks (Potter Box, Markkula, PLUS)
- Confidentiality vs. transparency
- Conflict resolution strategies
- Institutional learning and documentation
- Cultural diversity and universal principles
Suggested Citation
Kazanskaia, A. N. (2025). Handling Ethical Dilemmas in Religious Non-Profit Communication. NEYA Global Publishing. https://doi.org/10.64357/neya-gjnps-eth-cm-rl-org-05
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