Some Aspects of Advisory Board Functioning in a Large Urban Area

In order to gain a better understanding of conmunity mental health advisory boards, a survey of board members was conducted to identify their perception of various aspects of board structure and processes and of the adequacy of board and center operations. The sample consisted of 40 respondents representing boards of 15 of the 19 centers of an urban mental health department. Board members tended to be action oriented, highly concerned with the administrative operations of the centers, and satisfied with board meetings and board and center effectiveness. A positive relationship between board members and professional staff, particularly with the director, was associated with positive perceptions of board meetings and members' participation. Strengths and weaknesses of board are discussed and suggestions of topics for future study are offered.