Adaptive Governance refers to a flexible approach that reevaluates and adjusts its principles, structures, controls, and decision-making processes based on new realities, outcomes, and organisational learning.
It acknowledges that governance cannot stay effective simply because it was well-designed initially. Changes in purpose, technology, risk levels, stakeholder expectations, organisational capabilities, or operational environments may render existing arrangements outdated.
However, Adaptive Governance does not imply modifying core principles whenever they become inconvenient. Stable principles remain constant, even as their application, supporting controls, roles, and decision frameworks adapt to changing contexts. This adaptation occurs through careful attention to operational realities, reflection on consequences, and lessons learned.
When governance no longer aligns with current conditions, it must be challenged, reviewed, and updated.
Related Source Notes
- Governance Review and Renewal
- Universal Governance Principles
- Hansei — Reflection That Forces Correction
Related Subject Areas