What are the best methods for creating an inclusive, participatory program governance structure?

2 Identify and engage the program stakeholders

The second step in creating an inclusive and participatory program governance structure is to identify and engage the program stakeholders. Stakeholders are the individuals, groups, or organizations that have an interest or influence in the program, or are affected by its outcomes. You should conduct a stakeholder analysis to map out the stakeholder needs, expectations, interests, power, and influence, and to identify any potential conflicts or synergies among them. You should also develop a stakeholder engagement plan to define how you will communicate with, consult, involve, and empower the stakeholders throughout the program lifecycle. By identifying and engaging the program stakeholders, you can build trust and rapport, foster collaboration and feedback, and manage stakeholder expectations and satisfaction.

3 Establish the program roles and responsibilities

The third step in creating an inclusive and participatory program governance structure is to establish the program roles and responsibilities. This means defining the functions, tasks, authorities, and accountabilities of the different program participants, such as the program sponsor, program manager, program board, program team, project managers, project teams, and other program support functions. You should also clarify the reporting and escalation mechanisms, the decision-making and approval processes, and the conflict resolution and dispute management procedures. By establishing the program roles and responsibilities, you can ensure that everyone knows what they are expected to do and how they are expected to work together, and that there is a clear and consistent governance framework for the program.

4 Align the program with the organizational strategy and culture

The fourth step in creating an inclusive and participatory program governance structure is to align the program with the organizational strategy and culture. This means ensuring that the program supports the organizational vision, mission, values, and goals, and that it is aligned with the organizational policies, standards, and practices. You should also consider how the organizational culture influences the program governance, such as the level of formality, hierarchy, autonomy, innovation, diversity, and ethics. By aligning the program with the organizational strategy and culture, you can enhance the legitimacy and credibility of the program, and foster a sense of ownership and commitment among the program participants.

5 Adapt the program governance to the program context and complexity

The fifth step in creating an inclusive and participatory program governance structure is to adapt the program governance to the program context and complexity. This means recognizing that different programs may require different levels and types of governance, depending on the program size, scope, duration, budget, risk, uncertainty, interdependency, and stakeholder diversity. You should also monitor and review the program governance regularly, and make adjustments as needed, based on the changes and challenges that arise during the program execution. By adapting the program governance to the program context and complexity, you can ensure that the program governance is fit for purpose, flexible, and responsive.

6 Promote a culture of learning and improvement

The sixth step in creating an inclusive and participatory program governance structure is to promote a culture of learning and improvement. This means encouraging and enabling the program participants to share their knowledge, experiences, lessons learned, and best practices, and to seek feedback, input, and suggestions from others. You should also establish a process for capturing, analyzing, and disseminating the program data, information, and insights, and for using them to inform the program decisions and actions. By promoting a culture of learning and improvement, you can foster a continuous improvement mindset, enhance the program performance and quality, and increase the program value and impact.