The United Way Scandal: An Insider's Account of What Went Wrong and Why

Glaser, a longtime officer of the century-old, nationwide, Virginia-based mega-charity, the United Way, here seeks to expose the roots of the scandal involving the agency's improper use of funds, first revealed by the Washington Post in 1992, and followed by the resignation of William Aramony, United Way's president for 22 years. In this impressively documented analysis of the American volunteer sector and United Way's role within it, the author contends that blame for the debacle belongs not only to Aramony's excessive salary, perks and corporate management practices, but also to a change from 1960s idealism to 1980s greed. While aware of Aramony's flaws, Glaser appears biased in favor of his former boss, frequently praising his vision and dynamic leadership. A final chapter discusses reorganization, as well as measures that United Way's board could take to try to regain public trust and its premier position among U.S. philanthropies. (Nov.)