Non-profit organisation voluntary self-regulation: an international comparative study based on social origin theory

Background: Service quality is closely connected to capacity building and professionalisation in non-profit organisations (NPOs). Self-regulatory systems should ensure the provision of high-quality services. According to social origins theory, civil societies differ. Thus, we ask the research question whether this theory explains variances in self-regulation systems. Data and methods: We reviewed 15 regulation systems from 36 systems found in Czechia, Germany, Poland, Slovakia, Switzerland and the United Kingdom. We applied the four dimensions of strategy, transparency, personnel and financial resources, consisting of 46 sub-criteria. Additionally, we conducted eight interviews with NPO researchers and practitioners. Results: The findings confirm the relevance of social origins theory to framing NPO self-regulating systems. There is low acceptance of self-regulation systems in the statist group of countries, as there is low trust in any NPO certification. Of the surveyed groups, the liberal group of countries applies the most rigorous criteria.