Third Sector Ideologies
I’ve reviewed several common tropes in third sector thinking; its anti-capitalism, inclusion agenda and dependence on grants. One underlying theme is an emphasis on ideology.
There are many attractive ideologies in the third sector and they drive the agendas of highly effective organisations. Pragmatism might be a good way to get things done but perhaps a few ideals will keep you going during the difficult times.
The problem is not with any particular ideology so much as a tendency to build on ideologies. Where what you believe becomes more important than what you do, problems are likely to set in.
Ideology and Business
There have been news items about businesses that won’t serve gay couples because they are Christians businesses and genuinely believe it’s wrong to do so. They are allowing a particular ideology to run their business. They may represent themselves as victims of discrimination against Christians even though it is they who are discriminating. Whilst I don’t doubt they are sincere in their beliefs they are profoundly wrong about Christianity and business.
There are many Christians who have no problem with gay couples. Business is about building positive relationships and so using it to exercise power sits awkwardly with business objectives. Whilst a business may be well advised to have a clear image of their target market, it is not an exclusive image. A Christian business might target Christians as its main customers but this should never exclude them from trading with others. How else do you find new markets?
The market is essentially inclusive and so an ideologically driven business will be on a hiding to nothing. Ultimately, you have a market and you meet its needs. That’s what businesses are for. You can specialise in a particular market without discriminating but businesses must be open to all if they wish to grow. The same applies to third sector organisations.
Third Sector and Ideology
Sublimated power is the core issue where ideologies are at play. The world has to be made to be as your ideology suggests it should be. Participation in a third sector organisation allows people to find a space to exercise power without testing their ideas in the real world. We’ve all seen the good idea tied to the whim of a single charismatic person, unable to allow their organisation to make its own way. Exercising this kind of power is no good for the individual or their organisation.
The need to collaborate in business means ideological considerations become something of a luxury. This can of course lead to other issues. It does not mean businesses can do anything they like; a lack of any ethical scruples can be destructive. One way to do this is through regulation, where governments decide the bottom line. That way regulation is something people can vote for. It may be onerous for some businesses but at least they can make their case.