Discussion of this topic has not been limited to the academic community, but has involved all major stakeholders from government agencies to the general public. Much of the discussion has focused on developing a working definition for effectiveness and identification of criteria or approaches that could be used for the measurement of effectiveness. The literature suggests that there is no distinctive definition or set of measures that can be universally used, but that each institution must develop its own.
Effectiveness is context specific.
This paper outlines the process which was undertaken by the Board of Governors of Confederation College, Thunder Bay, Ontario, to begin to review its own effectiveness as a board. Included in this discussion is a review of board mandate, of relevant literature, and of current contextual issues that affect boards today. Finally, it will focus on the process initiated by the board to review its philosophy of governance and develop a model of governance to foster alliances and increase board effectiveness. Purpose of the Project In Ontario, college boards are clearly accountable to the provincial government for their effectiveness but accountability criteria are somewhat vague. Qualitative criteria such as customer and community satisfaction, quality of education, and quality of alliances with employers are much less evident.