The aim of this thesis is to explore the relationship between values and management practices in the voluntary sector in Ireland. From this objective several research questions arise. Firstly, the study will identify what values are important to managers of Irish voluntary organisations. Secondly, the study will explore how these stated values translate into the practice of management in Irish voluntary organisations.\ud
In order to achieve richness and comprehensiveness of data, this study uses an approach called triangulation (Denzin and Lincoln 1994), which means that both quantitative and qualitative data are used.\ud
The starting point in this thesis is to address the definitional problem, as there are many different terms that describe the non-profit sector, not only in the literature, but also in common usage. Although there is no agreement on terms, there is a consensus, however, in the literature that values are the non-profit sector's most distinguishing characteristic.\ud
This research demonstrates the significant impact that values have on many aspects of management practices in voluntary organisations. While overall, values are seen to play a very positive role in the management practices of voluntary organisations, at times, these values can have unrealised and perhaps, undesirable consequences.\ud
This thesis argues for a close scrutiny of organisational values and a rebalancing of organisational style toward more of a task focus to take into account the increasing demands for accountability and to ensure the continued survival of the voluntary sector