3.2 Best Practice: Governing the Site
What We’re Hearing
Navigating governance in a partnership is complex. Partners must work together to attain common goals through varying lenses, achieving balance between accountability and independence.
Relationships change over time, as do contributions and power dynamics, creating tensions in the partnership. Issues arise when all parties are not engaged in governing the site at appropriate levels, and boards and committees within each party often fall out of alignment and lack clear communication with each other.
Third parties are often undervalued and excluded from necessary conversations about the focus and development of a site, limiting their potential to contribute to the partnership. Government politics have a distinct effect on site management, determining shifts in the level of support directed to operators and third parties.
Best Practices
Find a governance structure that involves all parties in a balanced way that suits the site - every partnership will require fine tuning to determine the best approach. A consensus-based decision-making process may be more suitable than involving a voting board of directors, for example. It is important for each partner to retain their autonomy while engaging with the others in the partnership at an appropriate level. An understanding of roles is key. Overall, effective governance is rooted in a process of acknowledging progress and pointing to what needs to happen to continuously move things forward.
Best Practices for Owners
Best Practices for Operators and Third Parties
Try This – Operators
Participating in a Cultural Advisory committee that oversees the implementation of an owner’s cultural plan, or similar initiatives, can build credibility and demonstrate active engagement with the owner’s objectives. Seeking out opportunities to contribute illustrates leadership and can reflect positively on your site. Participating in regional boards or committees also helps you network with your peers and build external relationships.
