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Institute on Governance

Case Study: Stronger Internal Governance for a New Regional Development Agency

Summary: This case study explores the IOG’s approach to developing an optimal internal governance structure for a new regional development agency. When an organization is in a period of change or transition, it is an opportune time to enhance governance effectiveness.

Methodology

By assessing the agency’s existing interim structure, conducting in-depth interviews with the leadership team, and soliciting suggestions via a management team survey, we proposed a governance framework to address current issues, align with their mission, and reflect the positive culture within the organization. The process involved several key steps:

  1. Assessment of Existing Structure: We examined the agency’s interim governance structure, identifying strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement.
  2. In-Depth Interviews and Survey: We conducted in-depth interviews with key personnel within the agency. These interviews provided valuable insights into the organization’s culture, decision-making processes, and governance challenges. We then designed and administered a survey internally to gather quantitative data on perceptions of the current governance structure and preferences for improvement.
  3. Analysis and Design: Leveraging the insights from the assessment, interviews, and survey responses, we collaborated with the agency to design a tailored internal governance structure aligned with the organization’s operational realities and objectives as a regional development agency.
  4. Governance Assessment Framework: We used our proprietary analytical tools to assess organizational design to ensure that structures, processes, and practices allowed the organization to deliver on its mandate. Governance Assessment Framework pillars assessed: Staying on Mission, Delivering on Mandates, and Collaborating for Outcomes.

Impact

The collaborative effort between the IOG and the regional development agency had the following impact:

  1. Enhanced Decision-Making: The newly designed governance structure facilitated more streamlined decision-making processes, enabling the agency to respond promptly to emerging opportunities and challenges.
  2. Improved Accountability and Transparency: There was clear delineation of roles and responsibilities.
  3. Enhanced Mission Alignment: The optimized governance framework ensured a clear alignment between organizational objectives and decision-making processes, facilitating the achievement of the agency’s mission and mandate.

The case study illustrates the transformative impact of strategic governance development and, more particularly, the utility of this type of assessment during a time of transition. By leveraging a systematic approach encompassing assessment, qualitative engagement, and design, the IOG facilitated the creation of a governance framework that was fit-for-purpose and met the agency’s needs.