Wednesday 28 September 2011

Corporate Governance

Every not-for-profit organisation is established for the benefit of its members and other groups that it deals with. In order for this to occur effectively and efficiently, a clear set of goals and objectives is needed so that your organisation can reach the heights that it intends to. Put simply, this is what corporate governance is all about. Think of it as a “plan and road-map to success” which allows your organisation to combine your intended community service objectives with the financial objectives that need to be achieved.

After having established the “road-map”, which includes listing the core vision and values of the organisation as well as clear performance targets to move towards the organisation’s objectives, it is important to assess whether or not the organisation is achieving its intended aims. Such evaluation is an integral part of the process so that the organisation is accountable to the members, who are then assured that the organisation is acting in their best interests.

An effectively managed not-for-profit organisation, with proven performance and leadership by a capable board/committee of management, will not only ensure that the organisation survives during the tough times, but thrives at all times. This benefits members in countless ways and enables the organisation to achieve further growth with more people willing to join the organisation in its ventures (increased membership, higher reputation in the field and the possibility of establishing further links with other stakeholders in the form of sponsorship).

How much more will your organisation benefit from an enhanced corporate governance structure?