Diversity on a board of directors has so many benefits that it’s difficult to count. Still, when hearing statistics such as the fact that only 26% of seats are taken up by women on the S&P 500, it’s clear that diversity is still lacking on boards. Of course, ethically, it’s just not particularly sound only to be…
Whenever a large group gets organized—officially, it’s typically done by the dream team, which goes by many names including the Board of Governors, Overseers, Directors, or Trustees. They then appoint, hire, or dispense with the selection of the numerous operating offices of their organization such as the treasurer, vice president, president, and other officers. The…
As a board of directors, the current state of the market isn’t exactly a metaphorical security blanket as we begin the new decade. The cold hard facts are that the market is faced with global economic growth reaching a screeching halt. On top of that, the cost of borrowing has skyrocketed. And global trade is…
For seasoned board members and any other kind of executive, it’s always good to assess what it is that constitutes a dependable, effective senior executive. Otherwise, it’s likely to rest on one’s laurels and fall into bad habits. Conversely, newer board members and executives might still be learning what encapsulates a quality member of a…
With the internet and digital technologies growing at a rate faster than a speeding bullet, there are more chances than ever for boards to accomplish incredible feats. There’s software, apps, social media, and an array of tech-forward instruments that can take organizations to new heights. However, just as much as these new technologies can work…
There are two distinct, conflicting models involved in corporate governance. One is the stakeholder model, while the other is the shareholder model. Below, we’re going to examine both and assess their various pros and cons—then decide which model is the better choice for organizations. What is the Stakeholder Model (Stakeholder Theory)? It should come as…
Any board member is well aware of the value brought to the table by their corporate secretary. It takes a rare kind of person with a versatile, finely tuned skill set to handle the always-in-flux moving parts of the role. Included in that list of attributes are highly sought-after traits such as being immaculately organized,…
Chief Executive Officers who are also the chairman of their board are becoming an increasing rarity. In fact, according to the Wallstreet Journal, the percentage of S&P 500 CEOs serving in the dual role has diminished to an all-time low of 45.6%, as of 2018. Not only is that a historically low number, but it also…
Before delving deep into the benefits of having an independent director on any given board, let’s define the term. For a director to be independent, they can’t be a company employee or shareholder. Nor can they be a family member of another director. Mostly, they’re someone that’s brought in from the outside, who possesses a…
It should come as no surprise that the responsibilities of any local government are vast, demanding, and continually growing. There isn’t a day that goes by where there aren’t (collectively) thousands of tasks, initiatives, services, and campaigns that require some level of focus. Furthermore, local government leaders don’t have much room for error, as they’re…