On Sep 3, 2011, at 09:25 , WereSpielChequers wrote:
Increasing the mutual overlap of boards is a tried and
tested way of
reducing such tension, it doesn't always work, (in wiki speak it isn't magic
pixie dust) and we are in this situation despite having two WMF members
nominated by the chapters. But it is an option and it is a governance model
that lots of organisations find works for them.
+1
Many other organizations use mutual overlap of boards to help communication, foster
collaboration, and share skills (e.g. fundraising): e.g Action Contre La Faim and
Opportunity International. There use a variety of ways of managing "conflict of
interest", such as by defining whether overlapping members have a veto, vote or
voice. Wikimedia Foundation has two board members selected by chapters, without any
pressing and immediate concerns about "conflict of interest". If chapter boards
want overlapping membership with WMF, or other chapters, there are many ways to make it
work.