Key Terms
Board of Directors
The governing body of a nonprofit organization; responsible for mission, oversight, and organizational effectiveness.
Governance
The system by which the board directs and oversees the organization.
Fiduciary Role
The board's duty to assess organizational performance, oversee those it delegates authority to (like the CEO), and evalu
Board Culture
Informal, shared attitudes and beliefs about how the board should behave. Distinct from formal policies.
Contextual Factors
External and organizational influences on governance — including history, stakeholder relationships, and broader societa
Board Chair
One of two key leadership roles (with the CEO) in Challenge
CEO (Chief Executive Officer)
The top paid manager; accountable to the board; part of the Challenge 9 leadership pair.
Board Check-Up
The online self-assessment survey at boardcheckup.com on which this textbook is based.
Symptoms
In this framework, the board issues or challenges identified through self-assessment — the starting point for improvemen