Abstract
Transparency means being honest and open about one’s practices. Transparency is considered a gold standard in the nonprofit sector and associated with a range of positive outcomes. We propose that transparency should also become a guiding principle and documented practice for nonprofit scholars. In this article, we articulate the context for discussing transparency in social science research and the potential risks of not being transparent. Acknowledging the epistemic and methodological diversity of our field—and therefore, the need for flexibility in how transparency will be practiced by different scholars—we encourage nonprofit researchers to consider how they can enhance their research transparency. To this end, we outline the benefits of transparency and offer concrete suggestions for different ways to demonstrate transparency in nonprofit research.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Article number | e0225883 |
| Journal | Voluntas |
| Early online date | 29 Apr 2025 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 29 Apr 2025 |
Acknowledgements
We thank Erynn Beaton and Beth Gazley for comments and suggestions on a previous version of this article.Funding
Pamala Wiepking's position as Stead Family Chair in International Philanthropy at the IU Lilly Family School of Philanthropy is funded through a gift by the Stead Family. Pamala Wiepking's position as Professor of Societal Significance of Charitable Lotteries at VU Amsterdam is funded by the Postcode Lottery.
