Digital Handbook Principles
1. Clarity
Definition: Ensure all governance artefacts are clearly defined and easily understood by all stakeholders.
Purpose: To eliminate ambiguity and ensure consistent understanding and application across the organization.
2. Accessibility
Definition: Make governance artefacts easily accessible to all relevant stakeholders.
Purpose: To ensure that everyone can refer to the guidelines, policies, and standards when needed, promoting adherence.
3. Consistency
Definition: Ensure that all governance artefacts are consistent with each other and with the organization’s overall strategy and goals.
Purpose: To provide a coherent framework that guides decision-making and actions.
4. Relevance
Definition: Tailor governance artefacts to address the specific needs and context of the organization.
Purpose: To ensure that guidelines, policies, and standards are practical and applicable to real-world scenarios.
5. Adaptability
Definition: Design governance artefacts to be flexible and adaptable to changing circumstances and evolving needs.
Purpose: To allow for continuous improvement and responsiveness to new challenges and opportunities.
6. Accountability
Definition: Assign clear responsibilities and accountability for adherence to governance artefacts.
Purpose: To ensure that there is ownership and oversight, promoting compliance and effective implementation.
7. Inclusivity
Definition: Involve a diverse group of stakeholders in the development and review of governance artefacts.
Purpose: To ensure that different perspectives are considered, promoting fairness and comprehensiveness.
8. Transparency
Definition: Communicate the purpose, development process, and content of governance artefacts openly.
Purpose: To build trust and ensure that all stakeholders understand and support the governance framework.
9. Measurability
Definition: Define clear metrics and benchmarks to measure the effectiveness of governance artefacts.
Purpose: To enable regular assessment and improvement of governance practices.
10. Compliance
Definition: Ensure that all governance artefacts comply with relevant laws, regulations, and industry standards.
Purpose: To avoid legal issues and maintain the organization’s reputation and integrity.
11. Proportionality
Definition: Apply governance measures that are proportionate to the scale, complexity, and risk level of the project or activity. Purpose: To ensure that governance practices are effective and efficient, avoiding unnecessary bureaucracy while maintaining adequate oversight and control.