For the last few months we have been talking about what makes for a good and proper functioning board of directors. This month we present a questionnaire that can be used to help a director and a board to be more focussed.
As you consider these questions, be sure to approach them from the perspective of a director. That is, from the perspective of policy and/or strategic issues as opposed to operational and/or functional issues.
1. The role of this board is to
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
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2. This board has these major goals:
a. ___________________________________________________________
b. ___________________________________________________________
c. ___________________________________________________________
d. ___________________________________________________________
3. Should this board be responsible for
Policy Making? ___ yes ___ no
Advising? ___ yes ___ no
Decision-Making? ___ yes ___ no
Planning? ___ yes ___ no
Organization Operations? ___ yes ___ no
Staff Evaluation? ___ yes ___ no
Financial Matters? ___ yes ___ no
4. As a board member, I need to be more informed on these issues:
a. ___________________________________________________________
b. ___________________________________________________________
c. ___________________________________________________________
5. These are three issues with which this board should consider dealing:
a. ___________________________________________________________
b. ___________________________________________________________
c. ___________________________________________________________
6. Three issues with which the board should not deal:
a. ___________________________________________________________
b. ___________________________________________________________
c. ___________________________________________________________
7. In order to be more effective, the board and/or individual directors, should:
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About the Author
L. Douglas Mault is president of the Executive Advisory Institute, Yakima, Wash.