Good Governance for Nonprofits: Developing Principles and Policies for an Effective Board [Hardcover]

Frederic L. Laughlin (Author), Robert C. Andringa (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 15, 2007

Many nonprofits are reluctant to develop a policies manual, believing that it takes far too much time, effort, and expertise. But the lack of responsible policies and governance can actually end up costing an organization much more in the long run -- both in reputation and in resources. Good Governance for Nonprofits is a succint but thorough guide that will help organizations develop a board that is legally and ethically responsible and effective in advancing their needs. The authors offer a clear process for creating a policies manual to help boards apply proven standards of governance or "attributes of excellence." Now even with limited resources, nonprofit leaders will learn how to: Eliminate redundant or outdated policies Add new policies more effectively Clearly guide the CEO and evaluate his or her performance Ensure compliance with relevant legislation and regulations Understand why certain policies should be included Adapt the authors' templates to their specific needs.

Editorial Reviews

Book Description

Many nonprofits are reluctant to develop a policies manual, believing that it takes far too much time, effort, and expertise. But the lack of responsible policies and governance can actually end up costing an organization much more in the long run -- both in reputation and in resources.

Good Governance for Nonprofits is a succint but thorough guide that will help organizations develop a board that is legally and ethically responsible and effective in advancing their needs. The authors offer a clear process for creating a policies manual to help boards apply proven standards of governance or "attributes of excellence." Now even with limited resources, nonprofit leaders will learn how to:

* eliminate redundant or outdated policies

* add new policies more effectively

* clearly guide the CEO and evaluate his or her performance

* ensure compliance with relevant legislation and regulations

* understand why certain policies should be included

* adapt the authors’ templates to their specific needs.

About the Author

Frederic L. Laughlin (Sandy Springs, MD), a former partner of PriceWaterhouseCoopers, now works extensively as a consultant with The Andringa Group, specializing in guidance for nonprofits Robert C. Andringa, PH.D. (Anthem, AZ) is head of the Andringa Group, consulting to boards and CEOs of international, national, and regional organizations. He is the author of three previous books, including Nonprofit Board Answer Book.

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 18 and up
  
• Hardcover: 192 pages
• Publisher: AMACOM; 1 edition (August 15, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0814474527
• ISBN-13: 978-0814474525
• Product Dimensions: 8.1 x 5.6 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #208,434 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #59 in Books > Business & Investing > Management & Leadership > Strategy & Competition

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A book that should be given to all nonprofit directors, April 28, 2008

By 

R. D. Scholle (Scottsdale, AZ) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Good Governance for Nonprofits: Developing Principles and Policies for an Effective Board (Hardcover)

Having served on a number of nonprofit boards this book describes very precisely how more management organization and thinking can assist those with "good intentions" who often serve on nonprofit boards and probably should not. It should be a book given to all new directors invited to join the board. Given a more structured look, nonprofits will find that they cannot continue with "it's his/her time to be on the board". The annual affirmation statement of board members should be a must for all directors as it brings a focus to why they are there and what is expected.The ideas and suggestions in the book are applicable to nonprofits of every size. While a good portion of the book is obvious and reasonable, it is unfortunate that the obvious is not always practiced by more well intentioned board members. Bringing a longer term strategic focus can only assist an organization in building a more successful future.

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Useful Working Model, April 24, 2008

By 

Werner Jacobsen - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Good Governance for Nonprofits: Developing Principles and Policies for an Effective Board (Hardcover)

This is a readable and USEFUL book for all non-profits. The principles are solid and are adaptable to organizations at any and all stages of growth and development. The authors encourage the quest for good governance as a journey for the board to take together. Their willingness to share their many significant handouts is appreciated for it not only saves work to re-create them but they are a representation of the authors' learning discovery and wisdom. I highly commend it to all who work with non-profits.

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Add Water and Stir, August 19, 2007

By 

John W. Pearson "John Pearson Associates" (San Clemente, CA, USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Good Governance for Nonprofits: Developing Principles and Policies for an Effective Board (Hardcover)

This is a practical "add-water-and-stir" book with everything you need for developing a Board Policy Manual. I am recommending it to all of my nonprofit clients.