Context-Sensitive Governance

Context-Sensitive Governance in Disciplined Agile

Understanding Context-Sensitive Governance

Context-Sensitive Governance is a core concept in Disciplined Agile that recognizes governance approaches must be tailored to an organization's specific situation rather than applying a one-size-fits-all approach.

Why is Context-Sensitive Governance Important?

Context-Sensitive Governance matters because:
• It acknowledges that organizations have unique challenges, goals, and environments
• It leads to more effective oversight by aligning governance with actual organizational needs
• It prevents unnecessary bureaucracy that can slow teams down
• It helps balance agility with appropriate controls
• It creates relevant and meaningful governance that teams are more likely to follow

What is Context-Sensitive Governance?

Context-Sensitive Governance is an approach where oversight and control mechanisms are specifically designed around:
• Organization size and structure
• Regulatory environment and compliance requirements
• Project complexity and risk profile
• Team distribution (co-located vs. distributed)
• Organizational culture and maturity
• Stakeholder needs and expectations

Rather than applying rigid governance frameworks, Context-Sensitive Governance adapts controls based on these factors to achieve the right balance between flexibility and oversight.

How Context-Sensitive Governance Works

To implement Context-Sensitive Governance:

1. Context Assessment: Evaluate your organization's situation across key dimensions (size, regulation, culture, etc.)

2. Risk Analysis: Identify specific risks that need governance controls

3. Right-sizing Controls: Design lightweight but effective governance mechanisms that address actual risks

4. Tailored Reporting: Create reporting structures that provide necessary information with minimal overhead

5. Regular Review: Continuously assess if governance approaches are still appropriate as context changes

6. Empowered Teams: Allow teams appropriate autonomy within clear boundaries

7. Governance as Guidance: Frame governance as enabling rather than restricting

Examples of Context-Sensitive Governance in Action

• A small startup might use minimal documentation and lightweight approval processes
• A regulated financial institution might require more formal controls around security and compliance
• A distributed team might need more explicit communication protocols than a co-located one
• A high-risk project might warrant additional oversight compared to lower-risk initiatives

Exam Tips: Answering Questions on Context-Sensitive Governance

1. Recognize Context Factors: Be able to identify the relevant contextual factors that would influence governance decisions (team size, regulatory environment, etc.)

2. Avoid Absolutes: In exam questions, answers suggesting a universal governance approach for all situations are likely incorrect

3. Look for Adaptability: Correct answers often emphasize adapting governance to specific situations

4. Balance Focus: Remember that context-sensitive governance balances appropriate control with agility - answers at either extreme are often wrong

5. Understand Governance Goals: Remember the purpose of governance is to manage risk and ensure value delivery, not create bureaucracy

6. Apply DA Principles: Connect context-sensitive governance to other DA principles like 'Choice is Good' and 'Enterprise Awareness'

7. Scenario Analysis: For scenario-based questions, analyze what contextual factors are present before selecting the appropriate governance approach

8. Key Terminology: Be familiar with terms like 'fit-for-purpose', 'right-sized governance', and 'governance as enablement'

9. Process Tailoring: Understand how governance processes should be tailored based on context rather than followed rigidly

10. Continuous Improvement: Remember that governance approaches should evolve as organizational context changes