Mission-Based Governance

Differences Between Boards

Although boards carry similar responsibilities, there is great diversity in how they function in both theory and practice. Boards do not all look alike because the organizations they govern are extremely different.

Through our extensive work in board governance, we have found that the role of the Board should derive from broad principles of good governance and the mission of the particular organization. Other factors that shape an organization and thereby affect the board’s role are:

• organizational needs
• areas of interest and "business"
• size and complexity
• key stakeholder relationships
• cultural norms, values and accepted traditions
• context and its place in the larger environment
• people, their personalities, their capabilities.

For help with board governance click here.