Governance refers to the way an organization or society is controlled and directed. It encompasses the systems, processes, and principles that ensure accountability, transparency, and efficiency in decision-making and resource allocation. It is essentially about how power is exercised and how stakeholders are involved in shaping the direction of an entity.

Different types of governance exist, depending on the scope and context. Here are some common types:

1. Corporate Governance: This type focuses on the structure and processes for directing and controlling companies. It involves balancing the interests of a company's many stakeholders, such as shareholders, management, employees, customers, and the community. Harvard Law School Forum on Corporate Governance

2. Public Governance: This refers to the exercise of political, economic, and administrative authority to manage a nation's affairs. It includes the mechanisms, processes, and institutions through which citizens and groups articulate their interests, exercise their legal rights, and mediate differences. United Nations Rule of Law

3. Global Governance: This encompasses the various processes and institutions, both formal and informal, that manage relations at the global level. It includes international organizations, treaties, and norms that address issues such as trade, security, and environmental protection. Britannica - Global Governance

4. IT Governance: This focuses on aligning information technology systems with business goals, ensuring that IT resources are used effectively and responsibly. It involves structures and processes to ensure that IT sustains and extends the organization's strategies and objectives. ISACA - IT Governance

5. Project Governance: This type relates to the framework, functions, and processes that guide project management activities to meet project objectives and stakeholder expectations.