The Factors that Influence the Effectiveness of Boards and the Governance Process

University at Buffalo via Coursera

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/nonprofit-gov-3

Introduction

### Course Review: The Factors that Influence the Effectiveness of Boards and the Governance Process on Coursera In a world where effective governance is paramount to the success of nonprofit organizations, the Coursera course titled **"The Factors that Influence the Effectiveness of Boards and the Governance Process"** stands out as a crucial resource. As the third course in a comprehensive specialization on improving leadership and governance in nonprofit organizations, it equips learners with the insights needed to enhance board effectiveness and organizational success. #### Course Overview This course delves into the intricate dynamics that govern board performance and explores a variety of factors that influence how boards of directors fulfill their roles. Designed primarily with North American culture in mind, it also acknowledges the variability of nonprofit governance across different global contexts, making it relevant to a diverse audience. The syllabus is thoughtfully structured over five weeks, each concentrating on key components that affect board dynamics: 1. **Week 1: Board Operating Procedures, Structures, and Meetings** The first week lays the groundwork by examining the importance of board procedures and structures. It poses critical questions about board effectiveness, including the challenges faced in board meetings and strategies to enhance governance effectiveness. This foundational knowledge is essential for understanding subsequent topics. 2. **Week 2: The Composition and Development of the Board** This week addresses the crucial aspects of board composition and member development. Learners grapple with topics such as designing an ideal board mix, recruiting the best candidates, and ensuring inclusivity within the board. The insights gained here are valuable for organizations looking to cultivate a strong governance framework. 3. **Week 3: Board Culture and Leadership** The course progresses to explore board culture and leadership, which are often the hardest elements to change within nonprofit organizations. By understanding the significance of culture and the role of effective leadership, participants gain tools to foster a healthier board environment that can propel the organization forward. 4. **Week 4: Individual Concept Testing and Application** In this week, learners assess their understanding of the course content through Readiness Assurance Tests (RATs) and reflections. This reinforces learning and allows individuals to apply theoretical knowledge in practical contexts. 5. **Week 5: Group Concept Testing and Application** The final week culminates in a collaborative learning experience, where participants discuss their assessments and peer review assignments. This collaborative approach not only reinforces knowledge but also fosters a sense of community among learners. #### Course Highlights - **Interactive Learning:** The course employs video lectures, guest interviews, and peer interactions, creating an engaging learning environment. - **Practical Application:** With a focus on real-world applications, participants reflect on and apply their learning to enhance board practices. - **Accessibility:** The content is designed for a broad audience, making it suitable for both board members and those involved in governance in various contexts. #### Recommendations I highly recommend **"The Factors that Influence the Effectiveness of Boards and the Governance Process"** for anyone involved in nonprofit governance—whether you are a board member, a nonprofit leader, or someone aspiring to work in the sector. The course offers practical frameworks and strategies for improving board functioning, which is critical for the overall success of any organization. Furthermore, the course’s structure supports flexible learning, and its focus on collaboration fosters valuable networking opportunities with fellow participants. By enhancing your understanding of board dynamics and governance processes, you will be better equipped to contribute to the success and impact of nonprofit organizations. In conclusion, this Coursera course is a valuable investment in your professional development and will undoubtedly enrich your understanding of effective nonprofit governance. Engaging with this material will not only enhance your leadership capabilities but also empower you to make a significant difference within your organization.

Syllabus

Board Operating Procedures, Structures, and Meetings

Hello and welcome to Course 3 in the series of courses on Improving Leadership and Governance in Nonprofit Organizations! The focus of this course is on the often unrecognized influences on how well a board carries out its governance role and responsibilities. The goal of the first week is to address several important questions related to two key influences on board behavior: the board’s operating procedures and structures and board meetings. Some of the key questions we will explore this week are: What factors influence the effectiveness of nonprofit boards of directors? What are board procedures and structures and why are they important? What issues challenge the effectiveness of board meetings? What can be done to increase governance effectiveness? These questions form the basis of the video lecture and content in Chapters 6 and 7 of our SUNY Open Textbook, Guidelines for Improving the Effectiveness of Boards of Directors of Nonprofit Organizations. We look forward to helping you learn more about some of the factors that influence leadership and governance effectiveness this week!

The Composition and Development of the Board

Hello and welcome to Week 2 of the third course on Improving Leadership and Governance in Nonprofit Organizations! The focus this week is on one of the most difficult challenges to board performance--creating the ideal mix of board members and training them so that they can be as effective as possible. Some of the key questions we will explore this week are: What do we mean by board composition and development and why is it important? Why is it difficult to change the composition of the board? How do you design the ideal mix of board members? How do you locate and recruit the best new board members? What are the best ways to orient and develop board members? Is your board socially and functionally inclusive? These two influences form the basis of the video lecture, special guest interview, and content in Chapter 8 of the SUNY Open Textbook, Guidelines for Improving the Effectiveness of Boards of Directors of Nonprofit Organizations. We look forward to helping you learn about another factor that may influence the leadership and governance of nonprofit organizations this week!

Board Culture and Leadership

Hello and welcome to Week 3 of the third course on Improving Leadership and Governance in Nonprofit Organizations! The goal of this week is to address important questions related to two influences that empirical research suggests are difficult to change in boards of nonprofit organizations—the informal culture and leadership of the board (Harrison and Murray, 2014). Some of the key questions we will explore this week are: What is “culture” and why is it important? What shapes board cultures and can you intentionally change them? What is leadership in the organizational and governance context? What do effective leaders involved in nonprofit governance do? Why are some leaders ineffective? How can leadership be managed for effectiveness? These two influences form the basis of the video lecture and content in Chapter 9 and 10 of the SUNY Open Textbook, Guidelines for Improving the Effectiveness of Boards of Directors of Nonprofit Organizations. We look forward to helping you learn about two more factors that may influence the leadership and governance of nonprofit organizations this week!

Individual Concept Testing and Application

Hello and welcome to Week 4! The goal of this week is to assess course learning. The end of Course 3 assessment of learning begins with the requirement that you to take two Readiness Assurance Tests (RATs) and submit your Board Effectiveness Assessment Reflection (BEAR). During the testing process, don't forget to make a note of your answers to the RAT and RAT Application Exercise questions. You will need them to vote and discuss your responses in the RAT forums next week.

Group Concept Testing and Application

Hello, and Welcome to Week 5! The goal of this week is to discuss and complete the end of Course 2 assessment of learning. It begins with peer discussion of the individual Readiness Assurance Test (RAT) and RAT Application Exercise (case) you took last week plus peer review of the three BEAR assignments you have been assigned to evaluate this week. It concludes with re-taking the RAT and RAT Application Exercise Tests and returning the three BEAR assignments you peer-reviewed last week.