governance
A structured system that steers and supports an organization by applying its approved policies, procedures, and related documented guidance.
Key Points
- Defines who makes decisions, how they are made, and how accountability is maintained.
- Is implemented through documented policies, processes, standards, and guidelines.
- Provides oversight, controls, and escalation paths while enabling delivery teams.
- Aligns projects and products with organizational strategy, risk, and compliance needs.
Example
A company establishes a governance framework where a product council sets prioritization rules, a change control policy defines when approvals are needed, and a risk committee reviews high-impact items each quarter. Scrum teams operate autonomously within these rules, using the documented policies and standards to guide decisions and escalate exceptions.
PMP Example Question
Which option best describes governance in a project-based organization?
- The daily assignment of tasks by the project manager to team members.
- A documented structure of policies and processes that guides decision making and oversight.
- The coding standards used by the development team.
- The stakeholder communication plan for a single project.
Correct Answer: B — A documented structure of policies and processes that guides decision making and oversight
Explanation: Governance is the organizational framework of policies, procedures, and documentation that directs and enables how decisions are made and controlled across projects and products.
