The Wrong Intelligence: Why Credentials Fall Short in Assessing True Governance Judgment

This article challenges the reliance on traditional credentials for assessing governance judgment, arguing that such certifications primarily test 'biologically secondary knowledge' (culturally transmitted, explicit instruction) rather than 'biologically primary knowledge' (naturally acquired, context-dependent social intelligence). For internal audit and assurance professionals, this highlights a critical gap: while credentials validate technical expertise, they often fail to measure the nuanced, intuitive abilities essential for effective oversight, such as detecting subtle deceptions or understanding underlying organizational dynamics. This perspective urges a re-evaluation of how we identify and cultivate the true competencies needed for robust governance.