What Does the Senate Do?

Shared governance is a management model that involves shared decision-making between all members of an organization, in this case, healthcare or higher education institutions. It is considered an innovative approach to management, emphasizing collaboration, transparency, and participation.

In healthcare, shared governance has been shown to impact nursing satisfaction and retention. A study found that the implementation of shared governance in a multi-hospital setting led to a reduction in new nurse turnover, saving the division close to two million dollars. This reduction in turnover also had potential social implications, as it could lead to improved patient outcomes and a reduction in mortality.

In higher education, shared governance is a crucial underpinning of a well-functioning university. It involves faculty, staff, and other stakeholders engaging in conversations about the institution's definition of shared governance, including what matters should be governed, who should participate, and the decision-making process. This collaborative approach is essential for retaining faculty and staff expertise and professionalism within the decision-making process.

To increase awareness of shared governance at VCU, the study suggested the need to define shared governance clearly and establish a common understanding among stakeholders. This involves setting expectations for engagement, creating a climate of trust, and achieving balance between relational and structural environments. It is also essential to recognize that shared governance should align priorities and that dialogue and collaboration among board, faculty, and administration should be conducted in good faith.

While shared governance is generally seen as an important component of higher education, there are concerns about its effectiveness, particularly in light of the changing faculty role and the growing number of part-time, non-tenure-track instructors. Improving shared governance is a major focus for organizations like the Association of Governing Boards of Universities and Colleges (AGB), which is working on a white paper on the topic.

In summary, shared governance is a collaborative management model that has been shown to impact nursing satisfaction and retention in healthcare and is a crucial underpinning of a well-functioning university in higher education. While it is generally seen as an important component of these institutions, there are concerns about its effectiveness and the need for clear definitions, expectations, and collaboration among stakeholders to ensure its success.