So, Why Is Good Governance So Important In Meetings?

Let’s face it…some of the meetings we go to leave us with questions regarding the quality and outcome of the meeting, as well as the length of the meeting, among other things. How often have you thought, “there must be a better way”.

First, in order to understand a relatively new concept, such as good governance, it is important to first review definitions to establish a foundation of common understanding.

We understand good as:

Decent
Suitable
Well-behaved
Effective
High quality
Enjoyable
Skillful
Efficient

We understand meetings include:

Business Meetings
Board Meetings
Conferences
Conventions
Summits
Seminars
Consultations

So, why does it seem so difficult to have good meetings? I often hear this question.

To better understand, we need to next consider, what is governance?

Governance is authority, control, power, organization. Boards and Councils are responsible for the governance of their respective organizations and they comprise of people, elected or appointed. There is often a regular turnover of people, as well. With significant power and control, it is imperative means are in place to ensure the governance is “good”.

So, What is good governance?

Transparent
Accountable
Equitable and Inclusive
Responsive
Participatory
Effective and Efficient
Follows Rule of Law

Incorporated or registered organizations have bylaws which should include the adoption of a parliamentary authority, such as the “current edition of Robert’s Rules Newly Revised”.

Robert’s Rules of Order, Newly Revised (11th ed.) (RONR) provides parliamentary procedure that helps to ensure good governance. RONR provides the accepted, standard rules of order for managing a group of people gathered for a common purpose to discuss and decide on actions.

So, what parliamentary authority was adopted by your organization?

Until next time…..GO in the right direction!

Diana Bacon
Governance Optimizer

Stay tuned …. for the next Governance Optimizer Blog (aka GO Blog)!