Overcoming dysfunction to maintain effective governance

As an elected official serving on a council or board, you may have witnessed behaviors that hinder effective governance. These actions have the potential to disrupt decision-making, undermine collaboration and damage relationships within the governing body. Some of the most common signs of dysfunction include:

• Personal attacks
• Inappropriate language
• Refusal to let others speak
• Undermining colleagues through the media or other public forums
• Being deliberately uncooperative
• Embarrassing colleagues or staff
• Excessive opposition to decisions even after a majority vote
• Stacking the audience to sway decisions
• Treating colleagues as adversaries
• Acting outside of predetermined roles

These behaviors, whether intentional or not, are disruptive to the functioning of a governing body. Not only do they create a hostile work environment, but they prevent the group from effectively addressing community needs. If you’ve observed similar dynamics within your council or board, it's important to recognize these as signs of governance dysfunction that need to be addressed immediately.

The consequences of ineffective government
Matt Fulbrook, a researcher specializing in board effectiveness, emphasizes that "governance is the intentional creation of effective conditions for decision-making." When dysfunction takes hold, it impedes the board or council’s ability to take action and make informed, timely decisions. It also diminishes the quality of dialogue, reduces transparency and ultimately delays solutions to the challenges facing the community.

In local government, governance dysfunction can have serious consequences. The inability to work together cohesively results in stagnation, with essential decisions and actions left delayed or unaddressed. Over time, this dysfunction can destroy relationships, erode public trust and hinder community progress.

Why governance matters
By prioritizing effective governance, elected officials can ensure that the local government operates smoothly, effectively and in a way that best serves the community. Here are a few key reasons why governance is so crucial: