Governance Signal Classification Model

Accountability Signal

Language that assigns, narrows, or shifts decision ownership.

Examples:

• Named responsible executive

• Formal delegation language

• Escalation authority definitions

• Board-level accountability references

Control Ownership Signal

Language describing who owns oversight mechanisms.

Examples:

• Risk committee mandate expansion

• Internal control demarcation

• Documentation ownership assignment

• Oversight body authority shifts

Decision Influence Signal

Language defining how AI-supported outputs affect outcomes.

Examples:

• “Decision support only” terminology

• “Human-in-the-loop” framing

• Automated execution language

• Risk scoring or eligibility authority references

Supervisory Signal

Language anticipating review, audit, or regulatory engagement.

Examples:

• Supervisory expectation references

• Board reporting requirements

• Escalation protocol language

• Pre-enforcement positioning language

Signal Intensity Scale

Each observed signal is classified using a structured intensity scale:

• Level 1 — Informational reference

• Level 2 — Clarification of existing expectation

• Level 3 — Formal narrowing of accountability language

• Level 4 — Supervisory posture signal

• Level 5 — Pre-enforcement positioning language

Framework Boundaries

This framework:

• Does not assess compliance

• Does not certify or approve organizations

• Does not validate implementation

• Does not replace governance functions

It documents observable shifts in governance language only.