Domain 5: Governance & Structure

Question 1

Communities of practice

Answer 1

Groups of people who gather together to accumulate and share their collective learning. Typically self-forming.

Question 2

Consent agenda

Answer 2

“Batched” list of items for approval by the board or committee. Items in the batch are routine, non-controversial items that require approval. All items are provided in writing before the meeting.

Question 3

Contracts: affiliation agreements

Answer 3

MOU or partnership between the parent organization and its affiliates or chapters. The contract should bind both organizations and set forth how each is to be governed, and how the chapter is permitted to use the name of the parent.

Question 4

Dialogue before deliberation

Answer 4

On key issues before the association, the leadership should engage in a dialogue with the members at large, then bring what was learned in that dialogue into the board room for deliberation on the issue. The process keeps the governing body relevant to the membership and keeps the membership engaged with the organization.

Question 5

Governance

Answer 5

The board is the chief governing body, ensuring that the organization achieves what it should and avoids unacceptable stituations.

Question 6

Governance: Transparency

Answer 6

Transparency involves operating in an open, accountable manner and providing the public with information it can use to evaluate the organization’s performance.

Question 7

Actual Authority

Answer 7

If a chapter has actual authority, the national or international organization, along with the chapter, will be responsible for obligations incurred.

Question 8

Apparent Authority (as it relates to parent/chapter relations

Answer 8

May be inferred by a third party where the national organization permits teh chapter to behave as if it has actual authority.

Question 9

High-Impact Board

Answer 9

1. A strategic framework that is clear & detailed.
2. A detailed design of the board’s governing work.
3. Standing committees that serve as powerful governing engines.
4. Board self-management and performance accountability.
5. Strong support from a board-savvy CSE

Question 10

Sarbanes-Oxley Policies

Answer 10

• Create an Audit Committee
• Adopt a code of ethics for senior officers and directors
• Establish a document management policy to guide employees in handling and disposing of documents
• Adopt a form of employment policy and procedures to encourage internal disclosure or misconduct or mishandling of funds, ensure funds are properly handled and that any certification or reports made to funders
• Conduct internal reviews.

Question 11

Heirarchy of Documents

Answer 11

• Articles of Incorporation
• Bylaws
• Policies
• Procedures
• Practices

Question 12

Articles of Incorporation

Answer 12

An agreement between the association and the state defining the organization’s legal purpose and its tax-exempt status; establishes the legal basis for the organization’s existence.

Question 13

Bylaws

Answer 13

An agreement between an association and its members, defining who can participate in the association and how they do so. Member eligibility and classes, officers, and standing committees are key provisions found in the bylaws; it is 2nd in the heirarchy.

Question 14

Policies

Answer 14

set parameters or specific mandates for action and decision-making. The board’s policy manual is third in the hierarchy, followed by the board manual.

Question 15

Procedures

Answer 15

Step-by-step processes detailing how to accomplish tasks in the organization. Procedures are operational in nature and not considered governing documents.

Question 16

Practices

Answer 16

Ways in which organizations do things that are not documented in policies and procedures.