Published
September 30, 2025
May the Governance be with you. That phrase may not be as recognizable as the iconic “May the Force be with you” from the Star Wars movie franchise. However, there are parallels between our world of chambers and associations and the galaxy “far, far away.” The concept of governance in an organization can have a light (good) side and a dark (bad) side.
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This article is brought to you by Institute for Organization Management, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s professional development program for nonprofit executives.
Having a board that understands the importance of good governance can make all the difference in the success of an organization. A board that fosters a culture where the three fundamental legal responsibilities—Duty of Care, Duty of Loyalty, and Duty of Obedience—are understood, embraced, and upheld will have a strong foundation for making sound decisions.
Additionally, understanding the principles recommended by committees, approved by the board, and implemented by staff and volunteers helps the board focus on high-level decisions rather than getting into the details. The use of proper nominating committee procedures, where potential board members are evaluated for the resources and that they will bring to the board and vetted for their ability to work within the three legal principles, is critical to establishing that culture.
The commitment to make and implement a strategic plan and to understand the proper role of the Executive Director as both general manager of the organization and senior advisor to the board also contributes to the establishment of a good governance culture.
All of these elements take strong commitment by the members of the board and can be difficult for some organizations to maintain. This can lead to the “dark side” of governance. In the movie, “The Empire Strikes Back,” Luke Skywalker, when learning to use the force from Yoda, asked, “Is the dark side stronger?” Yoda immediately answered “No, no, quicker, easier, more seductive, but not stronger.” The same thing is true for organizations.
Short cutting the nominating committee process by just putting anyone on the board is a “dark side” trait. Not following the three legal duties is a “dark side” trait. Not bothering to make a strategic plan or not following the strategic plan is a “dark side” trait. Micromanaging the Executive Director is a “dark side” trait.
The “dark side” of governance is easier. It is quicker. That is why it is more seductive to untrained board members and staff. But it can corrupt and damage an organization, just like the “dark side” of the force corrupted Darth Vader in Star Wars. Some organizations are afraid or unwilling to do things right.
Don’t let your organization suffer. Lead it to fully commit to following the good side of governance principles. But remember at Yoda tells us, “do or do not, there is no try.”
May the Governance be with you.
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