This study aimed to determine the compliance of management practices instituted in a third sector entity based on governance guidelines established by Brazilian organizations. It was exploratory qualitative research. Data were collected through in-depth interviews and documentary analysis; data analysis was performed by content analysis. The researched entity has a structure that meets the compliance function composed of three axes: (a) normative, referring to the adoption and formalization of the integrity program from instances, mechanisms and procedures dealing with ethical conduct, internal controls, laws, rules, regulations and risk management to which the entity is exposed, with complete adherence to the guidelines; (b) commercial, referring to the adoption and formalization of mechanisms covering relationships with partners, customers and suppliers, such as the accountability of funds raised; however, contingencies arising from the COVID-19 pandemic required mechanisms not yet foreseen for the accountability of resources from private donations. This axis had low adherence to the guidelines: (c) organizational, referring to the adherence and commitment of senior management to the policies instituted with a view to preserving the net worth, a financial sustainability and corporate social responsibility with almost complete adherence to the tested guidelines. In conclusion, organizations that depend on resources need an institutionalized compliance structure to ensure high levels of adherence, because as they become more reliable, they will receive more credibility and legitimacy. This study, based on the perceptions of managers, contributes to demonstrate the relevance of governance and the establishment of a culture of compliance in the third sector.

To determine the adequacy of management practices in Social Health Organization (SHO) in face of compliance guidelines established by Brazilian organizations. This was qualitative research. Data were gathered through interviews and documentary analysis and were analyzed through the interpretation of significances and content analysis. The entity structures the compliance function based on three axes: a) normative - institutionalization of the integrity program, ethical conduct, internal controls and risk management; b) commercial - institutionalization of mechanisms aimed at transparency and accountability of the funds raised. However, the Covid-19 pandemic generated unforeseen contingencies such as accountability for funds from private donations; c) organizational - adherence by top management in maintaining a structure for inspection and control of the institution’s processes and behaviors in the market in which it operates. Based on the analysis of documents there is 76% adequacy of adherence of management practices to the compliance guidelines. It is concluded that organizations that depend on resources and understand that the subsidies they receive, whether government, whether public or private donations, will make the necessary efforts to ensure high levels of compliance, their choices and conduct preserve their image and the achievement of greater credibility and legitimacy.