A framework for the development of an organisational governance maturity model : a tool for internal auditors

Abstract

The study aims to develop a framework for an organisational governance maturity model that can be used by the internal audit function to assess the effectiveness of an organisation’s governance framework. A review of the literature on organisational governance and on the role of the internal auditor was conducted. Based on the literature, a framework for the development of a governance maturity model is proposed. A need was identified to develop such a framework due to the fact that there is very limited literature available specifically on governance maturity models. Relevant international maturity models were studied and used as a basis for developing the specific governance maturity model framework. The study proposes a framework that highlights the desirable attributes of leadership, systems, structures, processes and communication to stakeholders that should be present at various maturity levels. In addition, the proposed framework could be used by internal auditors to assess organisational governance as required by the International Professional Practices Framework issued by the Institute of Internal Auditors.