GOVERNANCE REVIEWS

There is increasing research evidence that organizational performance is affected by governance practices and key factors in the organizational context, culture and dynamics. Boards in the private, public and voluntary sectors are devoting increased attention to ensuring that their approach to governance adds value to the organization and improves its overall effectiveness…whether this is in search of private profits or public good.

Synergy Associates offer Boards of Directors of Non-Profit organizations, Crown Agencies and private businesses the opportunity of an 'introspective review' of their governance structures and practices. This consists of three basic components that may be used individually or in combination:

• 'Governance Self-Assessment Checklist'
• 'Key Documents Review'
• 'Key Informant Interviews'

'Governance Self-Assessment Checklist'

The 'GSAC' or 'Checklist' was developed to assist Boards and Chief Executive Officers/Directors General in examining key aspects of governance within their own organizations. These include such dimensions as Board Structure, Board Responsibilities, Board Development and Management, Decision-making Processes and Organizational Culture. A 'Checklist' review would require board members and senior staff to complete the Checklist (approximately 35 minutes).

Key Documents Review

This consists of a review of 'Key Documents' such as Bylaws, Governance Policies, Strategic or Business plans, and financial and operational audits. We recommend that this be combined with either or both a 'Checklist' review and/or 'Interviews' since organizations seldom work in practice exactly as they appear on paper.

Key Informant Interviews

'Interviews' with a representative sample of board members, senior staff, workforce representatives and other key stakeholders or shareholders. Informants will be identified in consultation with the Board Chair and Chief Executive Officer/Director General.

FULL GOVERNANCE REVIEW

A 'Full Governance Review' will examine the importance of factors such as the relationship between the process for selecting your Board and its responsibility to account to its stakeholders. It will consider such factors as Governance Structure; Board Responsibilities; Financial Circumstances; Governance and Management Practices; Organizational Size and Developmental Stage; Clarity of Roles and Objectives; Adequacy of Information, Performance Monitoring and Accountability Systems; Transparency and Effectiveness of Decision-Making Processes; Leadership Capacity; Organizational Effectiveness; and, Adaptability and Flexibility.

REPORTS AND FOLLOW-UP CONSULTATIONS

The responses are then analyzed and consolidated into an interpretative report with recommendations. This highlights areas that respondents and our own analysis have identified as particular strengths…or weaknesses that require attention. A more comprehensive review process will, of course, result in a more comprehensive report. A draft of the report is offered to the Board Chair and CEO/DG prior to final editing to ensure that it is validated by their own perceptions. Follow-up consultation is available to assist in interpretation and implementation strategy.

BENEFITS

• Individual board members and senior management reflect upon their knowledge of important aspects of their organization's structures and practices as well as their own 'value added' contributions.
• This is a non-threatening, 'asset-based' self-reflective process that will generate creative and constructive approaches to your enterprise.
• It will aid your board in identifying strengths and weaknesses in important dimensions of governance and organizational stewardship and in establishing priorities for aspects that may require attention.
• You will gain confidence in those things that work well in your organization and know which may need a bit of your attention now and in the longer term.
• This process will stimulate and focus thoughtful discussion amongst board members and their CEO/DG.
• This is very much a self-evaluation process in which your organization will be given an opportunity to see its own reflection in a 'Governance Mirror'.

COSTS

Costs will be negotiated with each organization on an individual basis and will be sensitive to the resources of the organization as well as to its size, complexity and a number of other factors.

A 'Full Governance Review' is normally advised. However, partial reviews using only one or two of the techniques may satisfy your immediate needs. The cost will depend on the volume of material that must be reviewed, the number of interviewees, travel time and other expenses.