Govern vs. Manage

Attribute	Govern	Manage
Definition	Establishing and enforcing policies and regulations	Directing and controlling resources to achieve specific goals
Scope	Broader, focusing on overall direction and control	More specific, dealing with day-to-day operations
Decision-making	Strategic decisions with long-term impact	Operational decisions with short-term impact
Accountability	Accountable to stakeholders and regulatory bodies	Accountable for achieving specific objectives
Authority	Exercised by governing bodies or authorities	Delegated to managers or team leaders

When it comes to running an organization, whether it be a business, a government agency, or a non-profit, two key concepts come into play: governing and managing. While these terms are often used interchangeably, they actually have distinct meanings and functions. In this article, we will explore the attributes of governing and managing, highlighting their differences and how they contribute to the overall success of an organization.

Governing

Governing refers to the process of setting the direction, policies, and objectives of an organization. It involves making high-level decisions that shape the organization's strategic goals and overall mission. Those who are involved in governing typically include the board of directors, executives, and other key stakeholders. Governing is focused on long-term planning and ensuring that the organization is fulfilling its purpose and serving its stakeholders effectively.

One key attribute of governing is its emphasis on oversight and accountability. Governing bodies are responsible for monitoring the organization's performance, ensuring compliance with laws and regulations, and evaluating the effectiveness of its operations. This oversight helps to maintain transparency and integrity within the organization, as well as build trust with stakeholders.

Another important aspect of governing is its focus on risk management. Governing bodies are tasked with identifying potential risks to the organization and developing strategies to mitigate them. This proactive approach helps to protect the organization from potential threats and ensures its long-term sustainability.

Additionally, governing involves establishing the organization's values and ethical standards. Governing bodies set the tone for the organization's culture and ensure that its actions align with its core principles. By upholding ethical standards, governing bodies help to build a positive reputation for the organization and foster trust among stakeholders.

In summary, governing is about setting the direction and policies of an organization, providing oversight and accountability, managing risks, and upholding ethical standards. It is a crucial function that guides the organization towards its long-term goals and ensures its sustainability and success.

Managing

Managing, on the other hand, involves the day-to-day operations and implementation of the organization's policies and objectives. Managers are responsible for executing the plans set forth by the governing bodies and overseeing the activities of employees to ensure that goals are met. While governing focuses on the big picture, managing is concerned with the details and execution of those plans.

One key attribute of managing is its focus on efficiency and productivity. Managers are tasked with optimizing resources, streamlining processes, and maximizing output to achieve the organization's goals. They are responsible for making decisions on a daily basis that impact the organization's performance and success.

Another important aspect of managing is its emphasis on leadership and team building. Managers are responsible for motivating and guiding employees, fostering a positive work environment, and developing the skills and talents of their team members. Effective managers are able to inspire their teams to achieve their best and contribute to the overall success of the organization.

Additionally, managing involves problem-solving and decision-making. Managers are often faced with challenges and obstacles that require quick thinking and strategic solutions. They must be able to analyze situations, weigh options, and make decisions that are in the best interest of the organization.

In summary, managing is about overseeing the day-to-day operations of an organization, optimizing resources and processes, leading and motivating teams, and making decisions to achieve the organization's goals. It is a critical function that ensures the efficient execution of the organization's plans and contributes to its overall success.

Key Differences

While governing and managing are both essential functions within an organization, they serve different purposes and require distinct skill sets. Governing is focused on setting the direction and policies of the organization, providing oversight and accountability, managing risks, and upholding ethical standards. Managing, on the other hand, is concerned with the day-to-day operations, efficiency and productivity, leadership and team building, and problem-solving and decision-making.

One key difference between governing and managing is their scope of responsibility. Governing is typically done by a board of directors or executives who are responsible for making high-level decisions that impact the entire organization. Managing, on the other hand, is carried out by managers who oversee specific departments or teams and are responsible for executing the plans set forth by the governing bodies.

Another difference between governing and managing is their focus on the short-term versus the long-term. Governing is concerned with setting the long-term direction and strategic goals of the organization, while managing is focused on the day-to-day operations and achieving short-term objectives. Both functions are necessary for the success of an organization, as they complement each other and ensure that the organization is moving towards its long-term goals while effectively executing its plans in the short term.

In conclusion, governing and managing are two distinct functions within an organization that play complementary roles in its success. Governing is about setting the direction and policies of the organization, providing oversight and accountability, managing risks, and upholding ethical standards. Managing, on the other hand, is concerned with the day-to-day operations, efficiency and productivity, leadership and team building, and problem-solving and decision-making. By understanding the differences between governing and managing, organizations can ensure that they have the right people in place to fulfill these critical functions and drive their success.