There are several broad categories of boards. Each category shares similar characteristics and is defined by characteristic differences from other categories. Unfortunately, those characteristics are not absolute, nor are the behaviors of boards absolutely determined by their type. Analysis of some key questions help us understand the board and its responsibilities.
- Whose interests are served by the board?
- To whom does the board answer?
Answers to these questions are not always easy to derive, but efforts to answer them help in describing the specific nature of the board and duties expected of it, and are predictive of how the board forms, how it organizes, and how it operates.
Governing Boards/Councils include:
- Corporate Boards
- Nonprofit Boards
- Governmental Boards and Councils
- City and County Councils
- School Boards
- Fire and Water Commissions
- Association and Other Membership Boards
- Professional Associations
- Homeowners Associations