What are the emerging trends and challenges in association governance and leadership?

1 Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

One of the most important and urgent trends in association governance and leadership is the commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). DEI is not only a moral imperative, but also a strategic advantage for associations that want to attract and retain diverse talent, serve diverse audiences, and foster innovation and collaboration. To achieve DEI, associations need to adopt policies and practices that promote representation, participation, and belonging for all groups and individuals, especially those who have been historically marginalized or underrepresented. Associations also need to address systemic barriers and biases that may hinder DEI, such as governance structures, decision-making processes, and organizational culture.

2 Digital Transformation

Another major trend in association governance and leadership is the digital transformation that has been accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Digital transformation refers to the adoption and integration of digital technologies and solutions that enhance the value proposition, efficiency, and resilience of associations. Digital transformation affects all aspects of association governance and leadership, such as communication, engagement, education, advocacy, and innovation. To succeed in the digital era, associations need to embrace a culture of learning, experimentation, and adaptation, as well as invest in the skills, tools, and infrastructure that enable digital transformation.

3 Stakeholder Engagement

A third trend in association governance and leadership is the shift from a member-centric to a stakeholder-centric approach. Stakeholders are any individuals or groups that have an interest or influence in the association's mission, vision, and goals, such as members, customers, partners, sponsors, regulators, media, and the public. Stakeholder engagement is the process of identifying, understanding, and involving stakeholders in the association's activities, decisions, and outcomes. Stakeholder engagement can help associations build trust, loyalty, reputation, and impact, as well as identify opportunities, risks, and challenges. To foster stakeholder engagement, associations need to adopt a collaborative, transparent, and responsive governance and leadership style.

4 Sustainability and Social Responsibility

A fourth trend in association governance and leadership is the growing awareness and demand for sustainability and social responsibility. Sustainability and social responsibility refer to the commitment and actions of associations to contribute to the environmental, social, and economic well-being of their communities and the world. Sustainability and social responsibility can help associations align their values and purpose with those of their stakeholders, as well as demonstrate their relevance and impact. To integrate sustainability and social responsibility into their governance and leadership, associations need to define their goals and indicators, measure and report their performance, and engage in advocacy and partnerships.

5 Innovation and Adaptation

A fifth trend in association governance and leadership is the need for innovation and adaptation in the face of uncertainty and disruption. Innovation and adaptation refer to the ability and willingness of associations to create and implement new or improved products, services, processes, or models that meet the changing needs and expectations of their stakeholders. Innovation and adaptation can help associations enhance their competitiveness, differentiation, and value creation, as well as cope with challenges and seize opportunities. To foster innovation and adaptation, associations need to cultivate a mindset of curiosity, creativity, and courage, as well as a culture of feedback, learning, and improvement.

6 Future Readiness

A sixth trend in association governance and leadership is the imperative to prepare for the future. Future readiness refers to the capacity and capability of associations to anticipate, understand, and respond to the emerging trends, scenarios, and forces that will shape the future of their profession, industry, and society. Future readiness can help associations proactively plan and strategize for the future, as well as mitigate risks and leverage opportunities. To enhance future readiness, associations need to conduct foresight research and analysis, engage in scenario planning and visioning, and develop agile and resilient governance and leadership systems.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?