What user type is appropriate for nonprofit companies that need to provide reporting access to their board members?
A Company admin user
B Standard user
C Reports only user
D Full access user
E View only user
The correct answer and explanation is :
Correct Answer: C. Reports only user
Explanation:
Nonprofit organizations often need to grant board members access to financial and operational data for transparency, accountability, and decision-making. However, board members typically do not require access to perform day-to-day operations, edit data, or manage company settings. The most appropriate user type in this scenario is the “Reports only user.”
Why “Reports only user” is appropriate:
- Access to Reports: This user type is designed specifically for users who only need access to view reports. Board members often need insights into the organization’s financials, program performance, donor activities, and other key metrics—but they don’t need to interact with the system’s operational or administrative functions.
- Security and Control: Giving board members limited access minimizes the risk of accidental changes to sensitive data or configurations. “Reports only” users cannot modify records or perform transactions, which aligns with the governance role of board members.
- Cost-Effective: Many nonprofit software platforms offer tiered pricing based on user roles. “Reports only” users are typically less expensive or even free compared to full-access roles, helping nonprofits stay within budget.
Why the other options are not appropriate:
- A. Company admin user: This role has full access to all settings, including user management and system configuration. It’s inappropriate for board members who do not require such high-level access.
- B. Standard user: Standard users can perform operational tasks, such as entering data or running reports. Again, this is more access than needed.
- D. Full access user: Similar to company admin, this role provides complete access, which is excessive for non-staff members like board directors.
- E. View only user: While this role sounds similar to “Reports only,” it typically allows viewing of specific modules rather than comprehensive reporting functions. It may lack the analytical tools board members need.
In conclusion, the “Reports only user” role strikes the right balance between functionality and security, making it the best choice for nonprofit board members.