Each board accepts a mandate and one of the key roles is to ensure that mandate is achieved. Unfortunately, it is easy to be distracted from that focus and get caught up in the issues of the day. It is easier to demonstrate how busy we are than it is to demonstrate the whether we are achieving the desired results.

A board which develops a strategic plan needs to know whether all efforts are focused on its mandate, vision and mission. One of the most valuable assets to support this systemic focus is information.

Regrettably, however, a board may not demonstrate a commitment to information gathering, storing, managing, sharing and releasing.  

This 8-page article addresses

• common myths,
• indicators which tell the value board members place on information,
• why boards need to address issue related to governance information, and
• the role of the board.

The article also outlines actions the board can take to address any weaknesses which exist.