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Governance Effectiveness Quick Check

Instructions:

Please rate each statement according to your perception of how well your organization/board attends to each of these factors. Ratings are on a six-point scale of Agree Strongly through to Disagree Strongly.

We are seeking off-the-top-of-your-head or spontaneous responses based on your immediate reactions.

The term CEO is used in the Quick Check to refer to Chief Executive Officer, Executive Director, or other designations for the senior manager.

1. This organization's orientation for board members adequately prepares them to fulfill their governance responsibilities.
2. This board is actively involved in planning the direction and priorities of the organization.
3. The board does a good job of evaluating the performance of the ED/CEO (measuring results against objectives).
4. This organization is financially sound (viable and stable).
5. Board members demonstrate clear understanding of the respective roles of the board and ED/CEO.
6. The organization's resources are used efficiently (good value for money spent).
7. The board has high credibility with key stakeholders (e.g. funders, donors, consumers, collateral organizations or professionals, community, staff).
8. Board members demonstrate commitment to this organization's mission and values.
9. Board members comply with requirements outlined in key elements of the governance structure (bylaws, policies, code of conduct, conflict of interest, traditional/cultural norms, etc.).
10. The board's capacity to govern effectively is not impaired by conflicts between members.
11. There is a productive working relationship between the board and the ED/CEO (characterized by good communication and mutual respect).
12. I am confident that this board would effectively manage any organizational crisis that could be reasonably anticipated.
13. Board meetings are well-managed.
14. The board uses sound decision-making processes (focused on board responsibilities, factual information, efficient use of time, items not frequently revisited, effective implementation).
15. This organization has a good balance between organizational stability and innovation.
Copyright ©2000 Mel Gill
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Please note: the items contained in this checklist are derived from research that suggests a correlation between good governance practices and organizational effectiveness. The interpretations drawn here are based on a limited application of the ‘Quick Check’ to date and our best estimates of the significance of the values. If they do not concur with your own best judgment of the effectiveness of your board or organization it should be considered a matter for further exploration with the author, rather than an occasion for despair or rejoicing.