Functions of governing boards in Catholic institutions: a multi-dimensional analysis of strategic planning, regulatory compliance, and resource mobilisation in Uganda

Abstract

This qualitative study examined governing board functions in Catholic institutions across Uganda through three core dimensions: strategic planning, regulatory compliance, and resource mobilisation. Using interpretive phenomenological design, the study involved 78 participants, including board members, managers, and staff across Catholic schools and health facilities in four ecclesiastical provinces. Data collection utilised semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions, analysed using MAXQDA software with thematic analysis techniques grounded in integrated agency, resource dependence, and stakeholder theories. Findings revealed significant theory-practice disconnections with 68% of boards demonstrating reactive strategic planning approaches, 73% showing reactive compliance management, and 75% exhibiting over-reliance on external funding sources. The study uncovered "ceremonial governance" patterns where boards functioned as validation rather than strategic creation bodies, operating primarily through procedural compliance rather than functional effectiveness. These findings contribute empirical evidence on governance challenges in African Catholic contexts, offering practical implications for enhancing board functionality through integrated governance standards, systematic accountability frameworks, and balanced professional-mission excellence approaches. The research addresses critical gaps in governance literature by investigating board functions beyond financial metrics in mission-driven organisations, providing insights applicable to faith-based institutions globally while recognising the unique canonical-secular accountability tensions inherent in Catholic institutional governance.