governance

The word “governance” means the system, process, or authority by which an organization or country is directed and controlled. In plain terms, how an organization, country, or system is run and held accountable.

“Governance” is pronounced GUH-vuh-nuhns (/ˈɡʌvəɹnəns/ in IPA).

Here is “governance” used in a sentence: “The report criticized the charity's weak financial governance.”

“Governance” is a noun.

The word “governance” comes from Old French. From Old French governance, built from the verb "govern" plus the noun ending "-ance".

“Governance” is a fairly common word in modern English.

Government refers to the body of people or institutions that hold authority, while governance refers to the system and processes by which an organization or country is directed and controlled. In short, a government is a body; governance is the way authority is exercised. Governance also applies to companies and charities, not just states.

Governance sets the overall direction, rules, and accountability of an organization, typically at board level. Management carries out day-to-day operations within that framework. Governance decides what should happen and who is accountable; management decides how it gets done.

Corporate governance is the system of rules, practices, and processes by which a company is directed and controlled. It covers how boards of directors oversee executives, how shareholders' interests are protected, and how the company stays accountable. The term is standard in business, law, and investing.

Governance is normally an uncountable noun, so it does not take a plural or the article 'a' — you speak of 'good governance', not 'a governance' or 'governances'. When a countable idea is needed, English uses phrases such as 'governance systems' or 'governance structures'.