The dimensions
Seven conditions and eleven principles
The model measures two sets of dimensions: the governance conditions from ISO 37000 clause 4 and the eleven governance principles from ISO 37000 clause 6. Each is rated on the three aspects, at group and entity level.
The seven governance conditions 7
These are the conditions a governing body establishes so that the principles can be applied. In a controlled group, each one has a group reading and an entity reading, and the gap between them is often the finding.
| Condition | What it means |
|---|---|
| An integrated organizational governance framework | The framework coordinates governance activity across the group rather than existing only entity by entity. |
| Effective delegation | Authority and responsibility are delegated in a way that builds trust and transparency. |
| Governance and management distinguished | Anyone holding both governance and management duties can tell them apart and act properly in each role. |
| Sustainability as a basic consideration | Sustainability is treated as a starting point when governing and when applying the principles. |
| Fair treatment of stakeholders | Every stakeholder is treated fairly, with regard for what relevant stakeholders expect. |
| Governing body composition and structure | The make-up and structure of the governing body equip it for its role. |
| Governing body competence | The body keeps building its competence in the organization's activities, its legal obligations and its context. |
The eleven governance principles 11
The principles are meant to be applied together and at the same time, each with its own key aspects of practice. A group that evaluates the ones it finds comfortable and leaves the rest has a selective result, which the model names as a gap.
| Principle | What it means |
|---|---|
| Accountability | The obligation to account for the fulfilment of a responsibility, with consequences where it is not. |
| Data and decisions | Data is recognised as a strategic resource and used responsibly in decisions. |
| Leadership | Effective and ethical leadership, including the reconciliation of dilemmas. |
| Oversight | Performance is overseen and assurance is obtained. |
| Purpose | The organizational purpose and values are defined and committed to. |
| Risk governance | The tone is set for risk and risk management is practised and overseen. |
| Social responsibility | The organization's social responsibilities are recognised and discharged. |
| Stakeholder engagement | Relevant stakeholders are engaged and their expectations considered. |
| Strategy | Strategic outcomes are set and the strategy is steered. |
| Value generation | Value is defined, created, delivered and sustained. |
| Viability and performance over time | The organization remains viable and performs over the long term. |
Two levels, three aspects, one worksheet
For each dimension, rate behaviour, effectiveness and efficiency at group level and, separately, for each controlled entity in the boundary. Record the level found and the level that is appropriate. The kit's 54-cell worksheet holds the dimension-by-aspect view; the register holds the requirement-level rows behind it.
Source for this page
- ISO 37000:2021, Governance of organizations, Guidance. The published text of ISO 37000:2021, which supplies the eleven governance principles and the seven governance conditions the model measures, and the vocabulary the draft adopts.
- ISO 37004:2023, Governance of organizations, Governance maturity model, Guidance. The published text of the organizational governance maturity model, which the draft applies to controlled groups. Supplies the three aspects, the measurement framework, the six-point scale, the dimensions and the 35 model requirements stated on this site.
- ISO/DIS 37014 official record. The designation, title, edition, committee, ICS, stage, stage date, page count, price and abstract. Retrieved 21 October 2026.
Retrieved 2026-10-21. The requirement above is our statement of the clause in our own words; the official text is linked so you can check it.