If a board approves a strategic plan but fails to establish metrics or timelines, which governance gap is most evident?

• A. Failure of strategic oversight
• B. Lack of fiduciary oversight
• C. Ambiguity in authority
• D. Poor risk assessment

Answer: (A)

The main idea here is that strategic oversight requires turning a plan into measurable progress and a clear timeline for action. When a board approves a strategic plan but does not set metrics or deadlines, there’s no way to track whether the organization is actually moving toward its objectives. Metrics (like KPIs) tell you what success looks like and allow ongoing assessment, while timelines create accountability and a schedule for when actions should occur. Without these elements, the board cannot monitor performance, identify when adjustments are needed, or hold management accountable for results. This gap specifically undermines strategic oversight. The other options relate to financial stewardship, authority lines, or risk work, which aren’t the focus of missing measurements and timelines in this scenario.