Virtual Networks and Ethics: An Empirical Research in a Non-Governmental Organization

This paper analyzes the opportunities offered by information and communication technologies (ICTs) and the related ethical issues they raise within the transparency practices of non-governmental organizations (NGOs). Based upon a one-year study of a European NGO, the Italian Association of Blind People, it presents compelling empirical evidence concerning the main ethical, social and economic challenges that NGOs face in the development of more transparent relationships with the public and the related role that is played by ICTs. In particular, this study shows that, although attempting to be extremely transparent is held as an important ethical value, ICT-enabled information disclosure is limited by privacy and security concerns and by the pressure of financial supporters and benefactors and potential NGO competitors who vie for grants and donations. Finally, this paper presents implications and suggestions for managers of NGOs and policy makers.