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DictionarygovernanceDirection and control
noun

governance

GUV-er-nuhns/ˈɡʌvərnəns/

The system or process of directing and controlling an organization.

Clear governance helps the nonprofit make decisions and hold leaders accountable.

A community organization's board exercises governance through a formal vote on its budget, with an open rulebook visibly guiding the decision.
Etymology
governLatinto steer, direct, rule
+anceOld Frenchact or manner

The governing stem originally evoked steering a ship; with the noun ending, it names the act or manner of directing. Governance focuses on how a community or organization is guided, rather than simply who holds power.

In context

The Father Leo Show26:45
when it comes to governance it would be wonderful if there could just be some declaration and say by the way y'all this is just a conversation this is not about who's in charge
The Synod on Synodality Explained: Debates on Women, LGBTQ+ Inclusion, and Authority in the Church

More examples

  • The company reviews its governance policies after the merger.
  • Board members share responsibility for the museum's governance.
  • Weak governance allows conflicts of interest to go unchecked.

Forms

govern verb — To direct and control an organization.

Similar words

management
Focuses more on daily operations than overarching rules and accountability.
oversight
Emphasizes monitoring decisions and conduct rather than directing the organization.