Citizens' voluntary governing boards: Waiting for the quorum

✍ Scribed by Scott Greer

• Publisher: Springer US
• Year: 1982
• Tongue: English
• Weight: 826 KB
• Volume: 14
• Category: Article
• ISSN: 0032-2687
• DOI: 10.1007/bf00137115

✦ Synopsis

In complex societies formal power, legitimacy, and responsibility are typically allocated to councils, or governing boards. This is an old strand in American political culture, strengthened by the growth of private not-for-profit organizations and concern for citizens' representation. It is also a growing trend in Great Britain, West German5, , and other modern societies. Such boards are often taken for granted; we think we understand them, hence the value of investigating the "obvious." In this essay they are examined with respect to their external and internal relations (or struct ure), their problems and performance (or processes), and the blurred nature of their authority in an "'interpenetrated" society where public and private interests are inextricably intertwined. Illustrations are derived from the author's research in the governance of labor union locals, municipal governments and reform movements, urban renewal efforts, community mental health centers, and private hospital governing boards.