User:TW 75/Governance

Definition of Governance

Governance is the application of oversight to organized activities -governments and government agencies (at all levels) -civil society organizations -businesses (for profit and not for profit) to ensure, for the benefit of the resource providers to these activities (taxpayers, donors and investors), that these resources are managed in a sound manner and within established and agreed upon goals and time frames.

Fundamental requirements for the application of Governance
Appropriate structured governing bodies
Qualified members of governing bodies
Formal guidelines for members of governing bodies
Clear delegations of authority
Transparency and accountability to resource providers
Essential tools to work with, such as –

Mission statements for the organizations
Business plans
Performance measurement systems
Management and financial audit authority

Fundamental requirements for members of governing bodies

The appropriate education and experience to ensure the that organizations are managed in an effective, efficient, legal and ethical manner

A clear understanding of –

The board and each member’s responsibility
Governance and its application
Management and its application
Strategic and operational plans
Performance measurement systems