Sequus International
Management: Consulting Education Development
THE BOARD DEVELOPMENT QUESTIONNAIRE
Trial version
Welcome to the Board Development Questionnaire test page.  This page will provide you with a chance to look at how the survey version would provide your board with feedback on its performance and advice on what to do to improve. Those using the survey version would submit their responses and then would be sent a report on the results.
Before we get to the questionnaire, we usually collect the following from respondents...



THE BOARD DEVELOPMENT QUESTIONNAIRE INSTRUCTIONS: Please complete the questionnaire carefully and thoughtfully. Below you will find listed, several statements about boards. You are asked to make two evaluations for each item. First you are asked to assess the "importance" of the item to the success of your board.  Then you are asked to assess the "performance" of your board by indicating how true the statement is as it relates to your board.  In both ratings you will be using a 5 point scale. The definitions for each scale are..
IMPORTANCE: 1= NOT AT ALL IMPORTANT, 3 = SOMEWHAT IMPORTANT, 5 =  ESSENTIAL TO SUCCESS
PERFORMANCE: 1= NOT AT ALL TRUE OF US, 3 = SOMEWHAT TRUE OF OUR BOARD, 5 = ALWAYS TRUE OF OUR BOARD
When you are finished, the "SUBMIT" button will send the questionnaire to us for processing.


1. Attendance and participation in board meetings is high.






What is your role in the organization?
2. We have a planned approach to recruiting new board members.


3. New board members receive a formal orientation to the organization and their responsibilities as board members.
4.The organization's by-laws are complete, clear and up-to-date concerning the organization's purpose, board structure and functioning.
5. The board has few standing committees and many short term, ad hoc task teams.

Performance of our Board
Importance to success                                              
Performance of our Board
Importance to success                                              
Importance to success                                              
Performance of our Board
Importance to success                                              
Performance of our Board
Importance to success                                              
Performance of our Board
6. Our board meetings are productive and effective.
Importance to success                                              
Performance of our Board
7. Our board discussions are open, honest, and balanced. We respect divergent opinions.
Performance of our Board
Importance to success                                              
8. We have an orderly problem-solving, decision-making process.
Importance to success                                              
Performance of our Board
9. There is openness, trust and mutual respect between board and staff.
Performance of our Board
Importance to success                                              
10. The board makes a formal, annual appraisal of the chief executive officer.
Importance to success                                              
Performance of our Board
Note: if at any time you wish to start over, click the reset button.
11. The board has an on-going process for examining significant internal and external trends affecting the organization.
Importance to success                                              
Performance of our Board
12. The Board conducts regular, thorough and effective assessment of financial results against budget.
Importance to success                                              
Performance of our Board
13. All Board Members make an annual financial contribution to the organization.
Importance to success                                              
Performance of our Board
14. Media news releases spotlight the contribution of Board Members to the organization.
Importance to success                                              
Performance of our Board
15. Board membership is balanced and diverse in terms of gender, age, skill, expertise, representation, etc..
Importance to success                                              
Performance of our Board
16. There is a Board Member job description or clearly written statement of the duties and responsibilities of Board Members.
Importance to success                                              
Performance of our Board
17. There is regular identification of Board Member training needs and a program of Board Member training that is carried out throughout the year.
Importance to success                                              
Performance of our Board
18. There is a specified limit to how long a Board Member can serve. Turnover is encouraged.
Importance to success                                              
Performance of our Board
19. Committee responsibilities and assignments are defined in writing and supplied to all members.
Importance to success                                              
Performance of our Board
20. Board meetings start and end on time.
Importance to success                                              
Performance of our Board
This questionnaire has its origins in the work of Dr. James Hardy as published in his book 'Building Dynamic Boards'.  Along with the survey results, your board will get advice based on Hardy's book and other sources of expertise.
21. Board leadership is spread widely and not restricted to one person or a small group.
Importance to success                                              
Performance of our Board
22. Board Members receive all information (positive and negative) needed to make appropriate decisions.
Importance to success                                              
Performance of our Board
23. Board Members rarely get involved in operational or administrative matters which should be the responsibility of staff.
Importance to success                                              
Performance of our Board
24. The Board keeps up with what related organizations are doing and collaborates and shares resources whenever possible.
Importance to success                                              
Performance of our Board
25. The Board develops a long range strategic plan with a clear sense of purpose, overall direction, goals, and priorities.
Importance to success                                              
Performance of our Board
WE ASK RESPONDENTS TO NOTE: This is a long and comprehensive questionnaire as is the report that is sent to your board.  Your persistence in completing the full survey will pay off in a rich source of powerful information. However, this is not for the faint of heart! We are asking about 20 minutes of your time.
26. Financial reports and statements are understood by all Board Members.
Importance to success                                              
Performance of our Board
27. The Board has a plan to ensure it has adequate financial and other resources to achieve its goals.
Importance to success                                              
Performance of our Board
28. There is a plan to promote effective Board Member to positions of greater responsibility and authority.
Importance to success                                              
Performance of our Board
29. New Board Members are selected on the basis of qualifications to fill needed roles.
Importance to success                                              
Performance of our Board
30. Prospective new Board Members are normally recruited on a face-to-face basis by a team of peers.
Importance to success                                              
Performance of our Board
Another useful source of advice on boards is John Carver. His book "Boards That Make a Difference" has had a great deal of influence on Boards around the world. When you have completed this task, you may want to visit hiswebsite at carvergovernance.com
31. Live participant reports and program demonstrations are frequently on the agenda of Board meetings.
Importance to success                                              
Performance of our Board
32. Our Board meets at least six times a year
Importance to success                                              
Performance of our Board
33. We have active committees. The full Board rarely has to do all of the work.
Importance to success                                              
Performance of our Board
34. Routine matters that require action but little discussion at Board meetings are handled quickly and efficiently.
Importance to success                                              
Performance of our Board
35. Communication among Board Members is good. We really listen to each other.
Importance to success                                              
Performance of our Board
36. Important issues are dealt with by the Board rather than ignored or dealt with outside of the Board.
Importance to success                                              
Performance of our Board
37. The difference between what roles and responsibilities belong to the Board and what belongs to the Staff is very clear
Importance to success                                              
Performance of our Board
38. Board Members function as active, vocal supporters of the organization and do not leave this task to staff.
Importance to success                                              
Performance of our Board
58. Special training is provided to those who recruit new Board Members.
Importance to success                                              
Performance of our Board
39. The Board systematically reviews the organization's performance in relation to its plans.
Importance to success                                              
Performance of our Board
40. The Board takes full responsibility for ensuring that the organization maintains a fiscally solvent financial condition.
Importance to success                                              
Performance of our Board
Check out "TEACHING AN OLD BOARD NEW WORK" Harvard Business Review, Sept.-Oct. 1996 for an interesting perspective on the role of the board.
41. The Board is active in the design and implementation of a comprehensive fund-raising and/or financial development program for the organization.
Importance to success                                              
Performance of our Board
42. We work hard to recognize the individual contribution of Board Members.
Importance to success                                              
Performance of our Board
43. We have very few inactive, non-contributing Board Members compared to other organizations.
Importance to success                                              
Performance of our Board
44. We make the time commitment requirements of board membership clear to prospective new Board Members.
Importance to success                                              
Performance of our Board
45. There is an up-to-date and complete Board Member's Manual which is given to all Members
Importance to success                                              
Performance of our Board
46. Board Members fully understand the personal liabilities and legal responsibilities that go with board membership.
Importance to success                                              
Performance of our Board
47. Attendance at committee meetings is good and everyone contributes to the work of the committee
Importance to success                                              
Performance of our Board
48. Board meeting time is primarily devoted to policy matters, strategic issues, and performance review. Little time is spent listening to reports.
Importance to success                                              
Performance of our Board
49.  Our Board work is efficient. We build on previous work.
Importance to success                                              
Performance of our Board
50. Our Board is not a "rubber stamp" for the work of staff or a small group of "insiders".
Performance of our Board
Importance to success                                              
51. Staff do not make policy, the Board does.
Importance to success                                              
Performance of our Board
The job of Boards will become "... spokespersons for meaningful values, models of bigness of spirit, powerful representatives of the ownership (and sometimes its gadfly conscience) and ultimately to see that tomorrow is created in a better image". John Carver
52. The Board assesses its own performance and procedures periodically and makes improvements when necessary.
Importance to success                                              
Performance of our Board
53. The Board approves and is aware of the organization's short term objectives and priorities.
Importance to success                                              
Performance of our Board
54. A financial audit of the organization is conducted on an annual basis.
Importance to success                                              
Performance of our Board
55. Most of our Board Members consider fund-raising to be a board responsibility.
Importance to success                                              
Performance of our Board
56. Board Member accomplishments are regularly highlighted in the organization's publications .
Importance to success                                              
Performance of our Board
57. Our Board provides strong and effective leadership for the organization.
Importance to success                                              
Performance of our Board
59. Generally our Board Members take advantage of external training opportunities.
Importance to success                                              
Performance of our Board
60. Our Board is about the right size, not too big, not too small.
Importance to success                                              
Performance of our Board
61. We often make use of temporary teams or ad hoc groups to accomplish an important task.
Importance to success                                              
Performance of our Board
62. Agendas and adequate preparatory materials are sent out prior to each meeting of the Board.
Importance to success                                              
Performance of our Board
63. We make full use of the special talents and skills of each Board Member.
Importance to success                                              
Performance of our Board
64. We rarely have to rely on 'rules of order' to make decisions.
Importance to success                                              
Performance of our Board
65. The relationship between the Board Chairperson and the top staff person is positive, open and based on trust.
Importance to success                                              
Performance of our Board
66. The Board assumes sole responsibility for determining policy.
Importance to success                                              
Performance of our Board
67. The budgeting is directly related to the strategic direction, long term goals and short term objectives.
Importance to success                                              
Performance of our Board
68. There is a financial committee of the Board that closely monitors and reviews all fiscal matters
Importance to success                                              
Performance of our Board
69. The Board gives leadership to and actively participates in organizational fund raising.
Importance to success                                              
Performance of our Board
70. Board members are regularly recognized and appreciated for their contributions to the success of the organization
Importance to success                                              
Performance of our Board
At this point, respondents to the survey version are asked to click on a 'submit' button.

This questionnaire is Copywrite protected.  SEQUUS 2002

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