Shared Governance in Depth (2024)

Shared Governance Definition and Characteristics

Shared Governance is defined as processes or practices that maximize the opportunities for input/participation of staff members – at all levels – in discussions, idea sharing, input to the decision-making processes that serves to guide strategic decisions the organization and institution. It also promotes collaboration, thereby achieving optimal outcomes for the University. Shared governance assures that diverse perspectives and a collective wisdom informs our actions and provides a strong foundation for the success of the institution.

Valued characteristics of shared governance initiatives include:

  • Greater communication and transparency of communication within your organization
  • A broader understanding among the staff of the strategic goals and challenges of the organization
  • More opportunities for providing input to decision-making processes; and
  • Quickly addressing concerns and creating solutions

Some examples of shared governance models at the organization-level include:

  • An elected group/committee of staff within your organization which serves as advocates for staff and assists in the application of general University policies and programs within the organization
  • Regularly scheduled ‘town hall’ meetings at which staff can ask questions and provide feedback regarding organization-wide initiatives (e.g. strategic planning, budget, rewards and recognition, professional development, community building and philanthropic activities, etc.)
  • Organization-specific focus groups designed to provide feedback on programmatic and process improvement issues affecting the organization

What shared governance is NOT:

Shared governance does not mean that all decisions are made by consensus (committees/shared) or that all ideas have merit or will be implemented, rather shared governance promotes the opportunities for every staff member to have input.

Shared Governance in Depth (2024)

FAQs

What is the concept of shared governance? ›

Shared governance is a systematized structure of transparent decision-making that reflects shared interests and shared responsibility of all constituency groups.

What would be an example of shared governance in a nursing unit? ›

Implementing Shared Governance:

Nurse leaders and representatives from each department's council meet to discuss their thoughts about why turnover rates have increased and gather feedback and ideas on ways to improve the work environment and encourage employee retention.

What are the pros and cons of shared governance? ›

A shared governance model can have many benefits, such as increased transparency, accountability, diversity, innovation, and engagement. However, it can also pose some challenges, such as potential conflicts, power imbalances, inefficiencies, and complexity.

What are the principles of shared governance in nursing? ›

The shared governance model is based on a number of core principles: Shared focus on patients, services, and staff; all essential to providing safe and effective care. Authority and autonomy to make decisions about nursing practice.

What is the vision of shared governance? ›

The vision of shared governance is founded on the core values of: (a) trust and mutual respect; (b) recognition of the interdependence of all constituents; (c) open lines of communication between and among all constituents resulting in shared communication and mutual participation and collaboration; and.

What is the power of shared governance? ›

Shared governance improves patient outcomes, increases nurse engagement, supports retention and promote quality care, and optimize efficiency.

Why is shared governance important in healthcare? ›

[1] This shared process allows for active engagement throughout the healthcare team to promote positive patient outcomes. It also creates a culture of positivity and inclusion, which benefits job satisfaction.

What are the barriers to shared governance? ›

One of the main barriers to shared governance and decision making is the lack of trust and communication between different stakeholders, such as community members, leaders, staff, and partners. Without trust and communication, people may feel excluded, ignored, or manipulated, and may resist or sabotage the process.

What is accountability in shared governance? ›

• Accountability. A willingness to invest in decision-making and express ownership in those decisions. Accountability is the core of shared governance and is often used interchangeably with responsibility. It supports partnerships and is secured as all stakeholder groups on campus produce positive outcomes.

What is the value of shared governance? ›

Shared governance is designed to integrate nursing's core value system and belief model into practice, taking nursing from the point of care to the executive level in a unified effort to improve care quality.

Which is characteristic of shared governance? ›

What are the Characteristics of Shared Governance? A simple shared governance definition includes – increased communication, understanding of core values and objectives by all staff, staff input in decision-making, transparency in communication, possibilities for influencing the decision-making process.

How does shared governance empower nurse managers? ›

Nurse leaders, including DNP-educated RNs, understand that one component of being an effective nurse manager is improving nurse engagement. Shared governance improves engagement by promoting ownership, accountability and equity. The result is improved healthcare outcomes.

Are nurses encouraged to participate in shared governance? ›

Through shared governance, nurses are encouraged to participate in organizational decision-making to satisfy professional obligations.

What is the difference between shared leadership and shared governance? ›

Shared governance is based on the principles of faculty and administration having distinct areas of delegated authority and decision making. Shared leadership, by contrast, is more flexible and identifies various individuals on campus with relevant expertise.

Who started shared governance in nursing? ›

Ever since the first structural considerations of shared governance were identified by Virginia Clealand in 1975, there has been a flurry of models, activities, and studies that look at this format for empowered decision making.

What are the basic concept of governance? ›

Governance is the overall complex system or framework of processes, functions, structures, rules, laws and norms borne out of the relationships, interactions, power dynamics and communication within an organized group of individuals which not only sets the boundaries of acceptable conduct and practices of different ...

What is considered a shared governance platform? ›

Shared governance is a working model that allows its members to actively participate in its decision-making process. The working methodology includes shared accountability, shared vision, collaboration amongst teams. It is commonly known within hospitals to facilitate collaborations amongst nurses.

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