The Policy Governance Fieldbook

"The Policy Governance Fieldbook is not a theoretical treatise, but a practical study. Its authors are concerned with real people in real organizations with real challenges.... It is the first book to start down what is surely to be a very long road. For that boldness, I am in its authors′ debt. But more importantly, boards everywhere and those who rely on the integrity of governance––that means all of us––are in their debt as well."

––from the Foreword by John Carver

"Local elected officials and professional staff will find Carver′s model provocative and intriguing. This practical guide is one of the best I have encountered. The useful tips at the And of each chapter are worth the price of the book."

––John Nalbandian, professor of public administration, University of Kansas

Boards all around the world have adopted the revolutionary Policy Governance principles to improve their leadership and performance. This fieldbook is the latest addition to growing literature on the landmark model. Endorsed with a foreword by John Carver, this practical, unflinching resource closely examines eleven diverse organizations that have implemented Policy Governance in the United States and Canada. The authors analyze what works––and what doesn′t––in real world practice. The Policy Governance Fieldbook is for organizations considering, beginning to use, or already using Carver′s principles. Readers will discover practical advice based on the real–life experiences of organizations that have tried and tested Policy Governance for themselves.

Each chapter is built around a user–friAndly, hands–on framework––first introducing a specific Policy Governance activity or challenge, exploring the experiences of boards that met this challenge, and then drawing key lessons from those experiences. Filled with tips and tools for implementation of key principles, the book is far from a theoretical treatise. It is a practical exploration of real organizations facing real challenges. The Policy Governance Fieldbook is an ideal guide for boards that are ready to lead their organizations to success.