bestuur

Bestuur is a Dutch term meaning governance, administration, or the body that governs an organization or state. It can refer to the act of governing as well as the organizing body that performs decision-making.

In public administration, bestuur denotes the executive authority at various levels—from the national government to provinces and municipalities. The central government is responsible for national policy, while local or regional authorities handle local services and enforcement. The word can also describe the collective organs that hold executive power, such as cabinets or executive boards.

In corporate governance, bestuu r usually refers to the board of directors or management board responsible for strategic direction, risk management, and day-to-day operations. In many Dutch organizations the bestuur works alongside the raad van toezicht (supervisory board) which monitors performance and acts as a check on the bestuur.

In non-profit organizations and associations, the bestuur consists of elected or appointed members who oversee governance, finances, and policy. Common positions include chair (voorzitter), treasurer (penningmeester), and secretary (secretaris); terms and election rules depend on statutes.

Etymology and usage: The noun derives from the verb besturen to steer or guide. The term is widely used in Dutch-language administrative and political discourse to denote both the act of governing and the body that governs.