[Community-Discuss] Operational Matters

[Andrew Alston]

Just one note.

The bylaws explicitly delegate HR, including renumeration of all staff to the CEO with the exception of his own position and other C level positions.  (Section 17 of the bylaws)

Andrew


From: Ali Hussein <ali at hussein.me.ke>
Sent: Friday, 8 November 2019 10:38
To: Mark Tinka <mark.tinka at seacom.mu>
Cc: General Discussions of AFRINIC <community-discuss at afrinic.net>
Subject: Re: [Community-Discuss] Operational Matters

Mark

Thanks for your clarifications. We are on the same page.

Regards


Ali Hussein



Tel: +254 713 601113

Twitter: @AliHKassim

Skype: abu-jomo

LinkedIn: http://ke.linkedin.com/in/alihkassim<http://ke.linkedin.com/in/alihkassim>





Any information of a personal nature expressed in this email are purely mine and do not necessarily reflect the official positions of the organizations that I work with.


On Fri, Nov 8, 2019 at 10:29 AM Mark Tinka <mark.tinka at seacom.mu<mailto:mark.tinka at seacom.mu>> wrote:

On 8/Nov/19 05:54, Ali Hussein wrote:

Your points are noted. Let me make one or two points clear.

1. There is a clear separation of duties between executive and board. I'm not suggesting that the Board usurp the role of the CEO. Or vice versa. I'm simply saying there are issues that the CEO CANNOT purport to speak for the board. This is basic corporate governance 1o1. For example, if there's an issue with the NomComm or HR & Governance committee pertaining to the conduct of a senior executive or the CEO himself, there will be a clear conflict for the CEO to address such matters.

2. If the community is unclear between the roles of the Board and the CEO then I suggest that they read up on this and/or Afrinic endeavors to capacity build the community on the same.

I think it would not be unreasonable for the CEO to give us a simple summary of when we should expect to hear from the Board in lieu of him.

The membership could read the bylaws about this, but I imagine a simple message from the CEO will provide more clarity than wading the wording.




A board that is detached from the rest of the organization, seemingly like they are some demi-gods, is one of the reasons that companies lose their way..There's a fine balance between 'interference' and 'neglect'. We must ensure that Afrinic doesn't suffer from this.

You are interpreting my comments about my organization's Board as them being detached from the organization. That is not what I said, and you are welcome to re-read my e-mail.

I said my staff (the ones that report to me) would not typically be involved with the Board. However, I, and upper management, are more likely to be involved with the Board. I'm sure you get this.

The depth of structure of an RIR's governance is a lot simpler than that of an organization such as ours, i.e., the membership are more likely to run into and interact with the Board as a matter of course than, say, all the staff at a highly structured organization would theirs.

So no, I'm not advocating that AFRINIC members do not speak to the Board, and I am sure you know that.



One last point. The chairperson of a board is supposed to represent the board in such matters. Not the CEO. This MUST be made clear. Board matters are Board matters. He/she is First Among Equals.

Again, grateful if the CEO can dumb it down for us.

I could read it for myself, but in the interest of the avoidance of any doubt, nothing beats the horse's mouth. I'm getting old and lazy, so this sort of thing is helpful.

Mark.

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