Governance

Governance is the human-based system by which an organisation is directed, overseen and held accountable for its purpose. In operational practice, it includes authority limits, decision-making roles and rules, degrees of autonomy, assurance, reporting structures and accountabilities. Governance sets direction and boundaries; management organises work within that frame.

Use the term when an organisation must clarify who may decide what, how performance and risks are overseen, and to whom people are answerable.

Governance is equated with more committees, approval stages or documents. Additional control without clear decision rights, proportionality and accountability can slow work without managing risk more effectively.