Eleven recommendations are aimed at ensuring the organization has clear, unified values, reflected in and supported by its policies and leadership training.
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The National Association of REALTORS® has adopted a set of objectives aimed at enhancing the organization’s culture. On Sunday, NAR’s Executive Committee approved 10 of 11 recommendations of the Culture Transformation Commission (CTC). Executive Committee members referred one of the recommendations to the Board of Directors, which gave final approval at its meeting Monday.

Together, the recommendations set forth policies and initiatives centered on the organization’s mission and values, governance, compliance and leadership. Approval of the CTC plan is just the latest action the organization has taken to set expectations around conduct, foster professionalism and promote accountability among members, volunteers, executives and staff.

Summary of the Approved Recommendations

  1. That NAR create an accountability awareness campaign to ensure members, association executives and staff understand how to access NAR policies and procedures, including reporting processes related to prohibited behavior
  2. That each NAR policy related to conduct establish a transparent disciplinary framework for infractions
  3. That NAR develop an annually required training to reinforce expectations and accountability policies, and that all NAR volunteers and staff annually recommit to understanding and adhering to all policies and procedures related to accountability 
  4. That the Extended Leadership Team, Executive Committee, Regional Vice Presidents, Committee Chairs and Committee Vice Chairs complete an anti-retaliation training annually that clearly defines NAR’s anti-retaliation policy
  5. That NAR regularly administer culture and accountability surveys to NAR volunteers and staff
  6. That NAR establish culture and accountability bodies for NAR volunteers and staff
  7. That NAR enhance online resources for state and local associations to support compliance and accountability
  8. That NAR establish a unified set of values for NAR volunteers and staff
  9. That NAR Leadership Summit and Camp focus more on direct leadership training and building critical skills
  10. That chairs and vice chairs of NAR committees and NAR staff leaders complete communications skills training
  11. The elimination of one-year presidential initiatives

True Transformation Takes Time

The CTC was formed in October 2023 in response to reports alleging that NAR did not act swiftly or sufficiently to address reports of harassment, intimidation and retaliation by former leaders. The group was composed of volunteer members, local and state association staff, and NAR staff. (REALTOR® Magazine reported on the group’s progress in April.)

“Culture is not built overnight, and change takes time,” says CTC Tri-chair Christina Pappas. “All stakeholders will need to continue to keep an open mind, continue to build trust and create transparency within our organization. The recommendations put forth from the CTC are a great foundation and a start to the change that is hard and necessary. We … will need buy-in from all our stakeholders to ultimately achieve our goal.”

With these high-level objectives approved, the CTC has been sunset. Implementation of the policy recommendations will be led by staff and relevant committees. 

“The CTC has done tremendous work to identify and propose this actionable change. We know that this is only the first step and that true culture transformation comes in our daily interactions and in embracing these objectives,” NAR CEO Nykia Wright says.

The Structure to Stay on Track

Adoption of the 11 recommendations is the latest in a series of steps that NAR has taken to ensure a healthy culture moving forward.

Earlier this month, Wright welcomed Sharon White to the NAR staff. White is the association’s first Chief Human Resources Officer, and her role will focus in part on maintaining a healthy association environment.

“Sharon will play a significant role in leading the implementation of the CTC recommendations and working with staff directly on our own culture opportunities,” Wright said in a letter to staff.

Back in May, the association announced the creation of a Member Accountability Committee to investigate and address reports of misconduct by members in their volunteer capacity.

The creation of two new groups—the culture and accountability bodies (recommendation #6)—will help ensure the organization stays on track with its culture objectives. These new bodies will be tasked with implementing and reviewing culture and accountability surveys, tracking progress on relevant recommendations, and advising NAR leadership on additional actions.

Questions and comments can be addressed to culture@nar.realtor.

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