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Board Self-Assessment
1.
In your opinion, is the present number of directors…
Too Large
About Right
Too Small
Other (please specify)
2.
Board Representation (Board represents the community at large). Please check the segments that you agree with.
The board is weighted towards the private sector (more private sector vs. non-profit and quasi-governmental agencies)
The board represents the business community in terms of its gender, cultural diversity and age
The board represents the major sectors found in the community: retail, consumer services, health care, education, construction, business services (legal, accounting), transportation/distribution, land developers, finance/insurance, manufacturing, and media
The cities/communities served by the Chamber are represented on the board.
Other (please specify)
3.
How satisfied are you with your board experience?
Extremely Satisfied
Very Satisfied
Moderately Satisfied
Slightly Satisfied
Not Satisfied
Other (please specify)
4.
How engaged are the directors on our board—based on the time they dedicate to our organization and their reliability in fulfilling their obligations?
Very Engaged
Somewhat Engaged
Somewhat Not Engaged
Very Disengaged
Other (please specify)
5.
How satisfied are you with the board’s ability to evaluate
the performance of the organization (i.e., the extent to
which it is achieving its mission)?
Very Satisfied
Somewhat Satisfied
Neutral
Somewhat Dissatisfied
Very Disatisfied
Other (please specify)
6.
Does the current structure improve board functionality
and decision making?
Extremely Effective
Very Effective
Moderately Effective
Slightly Effective
Not Effective
Other (please specify)
7.
Do fellow board members have a strong understanding
of the mission, strategy and core functions of the organization?
Very Strong
Somewhat Strong
Somewhat Weak
Very Weak
Other (please specify)
8.
How strongly do you believe your fellow board members understand their obligations as directors?
Very Strong
Somewhat Strong
Neither Strong or Weak
Somewhat Weak
Very Weak
Other (please specify)
9.
How engaged are board members in fundraising, membership recruitment, and generating revenue for the Chamber?
A great deal
A lot
A moderate amount
A little
None at all
10.
W.A.C.E data continually emphasizes the need for Chambers to focus on core areas. W.A.C.E. also noted you can’t rely on fulfilling core activities with the same tactics indefinitely. Business leaders need to see their Chambers innovating and evolving to stay relevant. Chambers need to focus efforts on five core activities and should consistently evaluate their priorities and their programs to ensure they are relevant to their members and the business community. In the next 2-3 years, what should be the level of activity in each core area?
Do a lot more
Do more
Maintain
Do less of
Do a lot less of
Promoting the community
Do a lot more
Do more
Maintain
Do less of
Do a lot less of
Programs to strengthen the local economy
Do a lot more
Do more
Maintain
Do less of
Do a lot less of
Representing the interests of business with government
Do a lot more
Do more
Maintain
Do less of
Do a lot less of
Convening business leaders to solve problems and identify opportunities/trends
Do a lot more
Do more
Maintain
Do less of
Do a lot less of
Helping businesses connect with local residents (shop local, expos, etc.)
Do a lot more
Do more
Maintain
Do less of
Do a lot less of
Other (please specify)
11.
Board Assessment Measures
Strongly Agree
Agree
Disagree
Strongly Disagree
Don't Know
The board delegates to the organization's chief executive sufficient authority to lead the staff and carry out the organization's mission.
Strongly Agree
Agree
Disagree
Strongly Disagree
Don't Know
Board members do not interact with staff directly to influence staff behavior or program management without first coordinating with and getting the agreement of the chief executive officer.
Strongly Agree
Agree
Disagree
Strongly Disagree
Don't Know
If a new policy is needed for the board or the organization as a whole, the issue is clearly presented to and discussed by the board.
Strongly Agree
Agree
Disagree
Strongly Disagree
Don't Know
Policies exist for key areas such as finance, human resources, safety, conflicts of interest, legal and ethical compliance, and any other functions unique to our organization's work.
Strongly Agree
Agree
Disagree
Strongly Disagree
Don't Know
Our organization's mission and purpose are clearly understood and accepted by our board.
Strongly Agree
Agree
Disagree
Strongly Disagree
Don't Know
The members of the board reach consensus on a vision that communicates where the organization will be headed over the next 3-5 years.
Strongly Agree
Agree
Disagree
Strongly Disagree
Don't Know
Board members are updated regularly on our knowledge of new best practices in membership organizations.
Strongly Agree
Agree
Disagree
Strongly Disagree
Don't Know
Our board's structure allows us to get our work done in a timely and effective way.
Strongly Agree
Agree
Disagree
Strongly Disagree
Don't Know
The board's ad hoc and standing committees streamline our work process and increase board effectiveness.
Strongly Agree
Agree
Disagree
Strongly Disagree
Don't Know
Standing and ad hoc committees report on their progress to the full board in a consistent and timely way.
Strongly Agree
Agree
Disagree
Strongly Disagree
Don't Know
Our board's meetings schedule has the right number and length of meetings.
Strongly Agree
Agree
Disagree
Strongly Disagree
Don't Know
Our board thoroughly examines the pros and cons of all major issues and makes fully informed decisions.
Strongly Agree
Agree
Disagree
Strongly Disagree
Don't Know
Board meetings are generally well-run and make good use of members' time.
Strongly Agree
Agree
Disagree
Strongly Disagree
Don't Know
Conflicts of interest are disclosed and dealt with openly.
Strongly Agree
Agree
Disagree
Strongly Disagree
Don't Know
Our board successfully assesses the expertise, skills, and other contributions we need from potential new board members to maintain or increase our effectiveness.
Strongly Agree
Agree
Disagree
Strongly Disagree
Don't Know
Board members are adequately knowledgeable about the organization's programs and services.
Strongly Agree
Agree
Disagree
Strongly Disagree
Don't Know
A majority of board members attends critical organizational events designed to promote the organization with key publics (Convenor meetings, webinars, fundraising events, major programs, etc.)
Strongly Agree
Agree
Disagree
Strongly Disagree
Don't Know
If a new policy is needed for the board or the organization as a whole, the issue is clearly presented to and discussed by the full board.
Strongly Agree
Agree
Disagree
Strongly Disagree
Don't Know
Decisions are always based on the needs of members, the organization and the business community at large.
Strongly Agree
Agree
Disagree
Strongly Disagree
Don't Know
12.
Please list the three to five points on which you believe the board should focus its attention in the next year. Be as specific as possible in identifying these points.
13.
Do you have any other comments, questions, or concerns?