If the local organization is governed by the parent organization's documents, the parent documents have higher authority. Which documents are these?

• A. Local bylaws
• B. Governing documents of the parent organization
• C. State statutes
• D. Corporate charter

Answer: (B)

In a hierarchy of governance, rules from the higher level govern the lower levels. If a local unit operates under a parent organization, the parent’s governing documents set the authoritative framework for how the local unit must conduct business. Those documents determine who can act, how meetings are run, and how decisions are made within the entire organization, so they take precedence over the local bylaws whenever there’s a conflict. Local bylaws simply must align with and not contradict the parent’s governing framework.

State statutes and the parent’s corporate charter can influence the overall legal context, but when it comes to internal governance and routine operations of the local unit, the governing documents of the parent organization are the controlling source.