ABSTRACT
The chapter summarizes factors that might account for who governs nonprofits. This includes theoretical explanations and contextual factors that potentially explain why particular stakeholder groups gain access to governance roles. The chapter argues that one way to understand composition of the governance team, those who exert control in governance activities, is associated with governance priorities. Governance priorities are informed through interpretation of internal and external forces that influence governance needs and by extension governance structures. Theoretical perspectives consider governance functions such as fiduciary accountability, while contextual factors inform the practical considerations of decision-makers. The chapter summarizes five theoretical perspectives and considers composition expectations inherent in those theories. In addition, the chapter reviews several internal and external factors and considers how these forces might guide or influence composition characteristics.
