Community Initiative  |  Policy Governance® Academy™

The Policy Governance® Network is a coalition of organizations and individuals in Western Michigan who promote the successful and sustained use of Carver Policy Governance® for boards. As Network members we are convinced there is no better approach to charting the future of your organizations than to implement Policy Governance. PGN resources maximize your board's time and learning curve, should you choose to join us in adopting this approach.

The Model

A New Style of Governance

Policy Governance® is a specific set of concepts and principles, including their application to and the board-management partnership.

The Policy Governance® Model was developed by Dr. John Carver to empower board of directors to meet their obligations via the following methods:

·        Accountability for the organization they govern

·        Development of an organizational vision

·        Focus on “big picture” issues

·        Delegate clearly

·        Control management's job without interference

·        Evaluate the organizational accomplishments

·        Truly lead the organization

 

John Carver’s Policy Governance® Model is the world’s only complete, universal theory of governance—a conceptually coherent paradigm of principles and concepts.  The model enables boards—as "servant-leaders" of shareholders, public, members (or other "ownership" equivalent)—to ensure that organizations achieve board-stated goals and conduct themselves with probity.

  • This is an inclusive theory, outlining board planning, mission, committees, agendas, budgets, reports, CEO evaluation, management relationships, fiduciary responsibility, and all other aspects of the board job.

  • It is universally applicable, works for organizations that are new or mature, large or small, profit or nonprofit (including government), and troubled or successful.

  • Due to its careful crafting, the model enables an efficient summing of board wisdom capable of adequate control without micromanagement.

The Model Offers These Direct and Dramatic Benefits

Role Clarification
Most boards adopting this approach find within the first few months that their role and the executive’s has become very clear.  Knowing whose job it is-up front- prevents confusion when decisions are required in the future, creating a win-win for both parties.

Improved Accountability
 True accountability exists  when the board’s expectations become clear and the board checks to see if the CEO and organization are in compliance with Board policies.  Continuous monitoring and evaluation provides confidence that business activities are ethical and prudent, and the board’s plans are on track. 

Visioning for the Future
If your organization ceased to exist, would it be missed?  A tough question, but in today’s changing environment, realistic.  Boards that use this model are preoccupied with designing their future around “Strategic Visioning”.  They have time to do this because they have streamlined their agenda, automating much of their business while gaining increased accountability.

Engaging Your Ownership
 Boards are rarely sole “owners” of the organization, but are representative trustees for others not at the board table.  Identifying and linking with the true ownership contributes to the board’s knowledge and relevance of its strategic vision and what it can accomplish.
 
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Policy Governance® is a registered Service Mark of John Carver.
Phone: (866) 336-4875 - Battle Creek, Michigan