Strategy
Governance
Plain English
The rules for how decisions are made.
Definition
Governance defines the rules, glossaryProcessA process is a defined sequence of steps used to achieve a specific outcome.Open glossary term, and structures that guide decision-making and ensure accountability within an organisation or glossarySystemA system is a collection of interconnected components that work together to achieve a specific function or outcome.Open glossary term.
In practice
Used to control how decisions are made, who has authority, and how standards are maintained.
In context
Its weight should match the risk. Applying the same approval glossaryProcessA process is a defined sequence of steps used to achieve a specific outcome.Open glossary term to a copy change and a payment glossarySystemA system is a collection of interconnected components that work together to achieve a specific function or outcome.Open glossary term produces either delay everywhere or exceptions everywhere.
The reality
Too much governance slows everything down, too little creates chaos.
Compared with
Governance vs Bureaucracy
Governance is the minimum structure needed for accountable decisions. Bureaucracy is what remains when the structure outlives the risk it was designed for. The test is whether a step has ever changed an outcome.
FAQ
Common questions
A few practical answers to the questions that usually come up around this term.
What is governance?
Governance defines how decisions are made and controlled.
Why is governance important?
It ensures glossaryConsistencyConsistency is the use of uniform patterns, behaviours, and visual elements across a product to create familiarity and predictability. It helps users learn once and apply that knowledge throughout the experience.Open glossary term, accountability, and control.
What does governance include?
Rules, glossaryProcessA process is a defined sequence of steps used to achieve a specific outcome.Open glossary term, roles, and decision glossaryFrameworkA framework is a structured set of tools and conventions used to build applications more efficiently.Open glossary term.
What happens without governance?
Decisions become inconsistent and unstructured.
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