What Is a Management Review ? Why It Matters

Did you know that businesses conducting regular management reviews are 40% more likely to meet compliance standards and achieve performance goals?

In Saudi Arabia’s rapidly evolving corporate landscape—driven by Vision 2030, digital transformation, and increased regulatory oversight—management reviews are no longer optional. They are a critical governance tool that ensures accountability, risk management, and strategic alignment.

With increasing scrutiny from regulators and heightened stakeholder expectations, Saudi business leaders must understand and implement effective management reviews to stay competitive and compliant. This article explores what management reviews are, why they matter, and how your business can benefit from doing them right.

A management review is a formal, periodic assessment conducted by top leadership to evaluate an organization’s performance, compliance status, and strategic alignment.

Key Elements Include:

• Reviewing objectives and key performance indicators (KPIs)
• Assessing risk, compliance, and audit findings
• Addressing corrective and preventive actions (CAPA)
• Making decisions to improve systems, processes, and results

It is often mandated in standards like ISO 9001, ISO 27001, and ISO 45001, and is critical for organizations implementing Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) frameworks.

Saudi Arabia is witnessing an increasing focus on corporate governance, compliance, and operational transparency. Several key trends underscore the importance of management reviews:

1. Vision 2030 Compliance

With Vision 2030 reshaping the public and private sectors, businesses are required to demonstrate stronger alignment with national goals—management reviews serve as a tool for tracking and reporting this alignment.

2. Regulatory Pressure

The Capital Market Authority (CMA), Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA), and other regulators now expect organizations to maintain documented evidence of internal reviews and corrective actions.

3. Board-Level Expectations

Management reviews provide executives and boards with structured insights into organizational health, enabling data-driven decision-making and risk oversight.

Section 3: Key Challenges Businesses Face

Despite their importance, many Saudi organizations struggle with:

• Lack of structured review processes
• Manual data collection and fragmented reporting
• Low engagement from top management
• Infrequent reviews or poor documentation
• Difficulty linking performance to compliance objectives

These challenges often result in non-compliance penalties, operational inefficiencies, and missed opportunities for improvement.

Here’s how your business can transform management reviews into strategic assets:

✅ 1. Set a Clear Agenda

Structure reviews to include KPIs, audit outcomes, risk assessments, and compliance updates. Use standardized templates to ensure consistency.

✅ 2. Leverage GRC Software

Platforms like CG BOD’s GRC Suite allow for automated data aggregation, real-time dashboards, and structured workflows to streamline the review process.

✅ 3. Align Reviews with ISO Standards

Ensure your management review framework aligns with ISO 9001, ISO 27001, or other applicable standards. This not only aids compliance but also builds global credibility.

✅ 4. Schedule Reviews Regularly

Quarterly reviews are ideal. Align them with board meetings to ensure visibility and timely decision-making.

✅ 5. Include All Stakeholders

Involve department heads, compliance officers, and risk managers. Their input strengthens the comprehensiveness and relevance of the review.

Case 1: A Riyadh-Based Manufacturing Company

Faced with frequent audit findings, the company implemented quarterly management reviews using CG BOD’s platform. Within six months, compliance scores improved by 30% and audit risks dropped significantly.

Case 2: A Healthcare Provider in Jeddah

To comply with CBAHI and MoH regulations, the provider began using structured management reviews. This led to faster regulatory approvals and enhanced patient safety outcomes.

Management reviews are not just a compliance formality—they are a powerful mechanism for improving performance, reducing risks, and aligning with Saudi Arabia’s evolving regulatory and strategic landscape.