Teaching Paper: Ethical Decision-Making Templates – A Structured Approach for Nonprofits

Teaching Paper: Ethical Decision-Making Templates – A Structured Approach for Nonprofits

Author: Dr. Anna Neya Kazanskaia
Publisher: NEYA Global Publishing
Teaching Paper | 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-ds-mk-tp-01


Open Publication PDF →

This material forms part of the NEYA Global knowledge architecture. Institutional, organizational, professional, training, consulting, curriculum, program design, or implementation use requires an active license from NEYA Global

Explore Architecture →
Module Overview →
Request Institutional Access →

About the Article

This Teaching Paper introduces a structured Ethical Decision-Making Template tailored for nonprofits. The six-step process—identifying issues, gathering information, evaluating alternatives, making decisions, implementing actions, and monitoring outcomes—ensures transparency, accountability, and alignment with organizational values. Grounded in established frameworks by Bryson, Drucker, and Patton, the template combines academic rigor with practical applicability. A case study illustrates its use in a nonprofit context, while reflection questions guide practitioners in refining ethical governance.

Key Topics

  • Six-step ethical decision-making template
  • Stakeholder engagement and accountability
  • Aligning decisions with organizational values
  • Case study of nonprofit application
  • Reflection questions for practitioners
  • Practical tips for overcoming challenges

Suggested Citation

Kazanskaia, A. N. (2025). Teaching Paper: Ethical Decision-Making Templates – A Structured Approach for Nonprofits. NEYA Global Publishing. https://doi.org/10.64357/neya-gjnps-eth-ds-mk-tp-01

References

Bryson, J. M. (2018). Strategic planning for public and nonprofit organizations (5th ed.). Wiley.

Drucker, P. F. (1990). Managing the nonprofit organization: Principles and practices. HarperCollins.

Ebrahim, A., & Weisband, E. (2007). Global accountabilities: Participation, pluralism, and public ethics. Cambridge University Press.
https://doi.org/10.1017/CBO9780511490903

Kazanskaia, A. N. (2025). Developing an ethical decision-making process: Frameworks, practices, and organizational implications. Neya Global Journal of Non-Profit Studies.
https://doi.org/10.64357/neya-gjnps-eth-ds-mk-05

Kazanskaia, A. N. (2025). Ethical decision-making models: Frameworks for organizational integrity and practice. Neya Global Journal of Non-Profit Studies.
https://doi.org/10.64357/neya-gjnps-eth-ds-mk-04

Kazanskaia, A. N. (2025). Understanding ethics in organizations: Principles, challenges, and practical implications. Neya Global Journal of Non-Profit Studies.
https://doi.org/10.64357/neya-gjnps-eth-ds-mk-07

Kazanskaia, A. N. (2025). Codes of ethics – Practical models for nonprofit and corporate governance (Teaching Paper). Neya Global Journal of Non-Profit Studies.
https://doi.org/10.64357/neya-gjnps-ethics-tp-02

Kazanskaia, A. N. (2025). Ethical Decision-Making. NEYA Global Publishing.
https://doi.org/10.64357/ethical-decision-making-2025

Kazanskaia, A. N. (2025). Accountability: Building Trust through Transparency. NEYA Global Publishing.
https://doi.org/10.64357/accountability-2025

Patton, M. Q. (2011). Developmental evaluation: Applying complexity concepts to enhance innovation and use. Guilford Press.

https://neyaglobal.com/journal-nonprofit/teaching-paper-ethical-decision-making-templates--a-structured-approach-for-nonprofits
331
September 26, 2025