Skip to main content

Institute for Regenerative Systems Architecture^™IRSA^™Catalysing systems designed for renewal

Loading...

Catalysing systems designed for renewal.

Research

Pathways
Explainers
Papers
Case Studies
Comparisons

Learn

Why Institutions Fail
Why Reforms Fail
Why Governance Fails
Why Accountability Fails
Short-Termism
All Entry Points →

Apply

Diagnostics
Dashboards
Programs

About

About
Approach
Governance
People
News
Contact

Newsletter

New research delivered to your inbox.

© 2026 Institute for Regenerative Systems Architecture™ (IRSA™). All rights reserved.

Back to Glossary

Performative Governance

Performative Governance (Activity)

PG

Definition

Governance activity that satisfies symbolic or political requirements without producing substantive change. Performative governance is governance theatre—the appearance of governing without the substance of it. See also: Performative Governance (Commitments) for the non-binding commitments perspective.

Example

A board meets quarterly, reviews documents, and passes resolutions—but decisions are made elsewhere, documents are ceremonial, and resolutions are predetermined. The governance is performed, not practiced.

Source

PG Section 1

Read Explainer View Paper

Related Terms from Performative Governance

Governance Theatre

Symbolic Compliance

Decoupling (Governance)

Accountability Display

Ceremonial Adoption

Explore the Full Glossary

Search 905 terms across all IRSA research papers.

Browse All Terms