Board Member Financial Literacy Framework for NFPs

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to develop a framework that identifies financial literacy concepts that board members in NFP’s should read, understand and apply their minds to effectively perform their duties.

Design: We address this through qualitative and quantitative methods with group and purposive sampling where we bring together experts in this area to explore, debate and identify the concepts that lead to an appropriate framework. The study builds on agency theory where the role of directors is to monitor management on behalf of the stakeholders.

Findings: From the responses and debates among experts, we provide an NFP board member definition of what a financial literate board member should read (Financial statements), understand (18 concepts) and apply his or her mind on. We provide this through a robust but simple framework that NFP members will find easy to follow.

Originality/Value: Our framework responds to the Financing Reporting Councils’ (FRC) contention that financial literacy for board members in Australia is deficient. Simultaneously, we address ASICs National Financial Literacy Strategy which suggests improving financial literacy by improving research, measurement and evaluation. The framework also addresses the needs of NFPs currently known to experience governance issues in spite of the existing resources. Such NFPs spectrum are found in indigenous communities, voluntary associations (Clubs, Churches,) and well-known sectors like local authorities, health board of hospitals, water, mines and housing boards.

Keywords: Financial literacy, Board member, read understand and apply, NFP, Australia

JEL Classification: G45, G50