Company directors are currently working harder than ever before as they attempt to steer their companies through the chaos caused by the global financial crisis. Many organisations that have suffered (or even precipitated) the crisis displayed most of the externally visible attributes of good governance. Good governance structures and reporting are associated with good corporate [...]
Especially in projects for change in small- to medium-sized corporations, the Board can be the leverage point – the point in the project that can make the biggest difference – for success in significant projects for change. In these situations, if an organization seems reluctant to involve the Board, then change agents should seriously consider [...]
Graham worked as a management consultant assisting the national operations of a company that has grown over twenty years acquiring ‘non-family’ shareholders who now account for 40% of the capital. The founder’s son, who owns 10% of the shares, heads an overseas division and is a director. The founder retains the remaining 50% and is [...]
The difference between chief executive and Managing Director is one of the subtleties that can confuse board members. Boards have the right to delegate the tasks of running the organisation to any person they rationally believe is capable of performing them. When the board delegates those tasks to one of the directors, that person becomes known as [...]
Nonprofit organizations (NPOs) are created to address specific issues/problems/needs and serve specific communities/constituencies, and the primary role/responsibility of the Boards of those NPOs is to represent (the issues/problems/needs of) those communities/constituencies. A Board does this by ensuring that the NPO’s mission is consistent the reason(s) that organization was created … and by adapting that mission [...]
When the Lead Independent Director role was first introduced it was viewed with suspicion. Now, in companies where the incumbent has performed well, it is viewed as an essential component of board success.
Three common issues that can hamper even skilled, ethical and intelligent directors: conflicted relationships, committee thinking and shareholding!
Many directors of Government owned enterprises take up the role because they want to have an effect on the organisation and, through the organisation, on the society they live in and will bequeath to their children. Even directors who do not profess a burning sense of mission will admit to a deep sense of responsibility for organisational and societal outcomes. Only directors who can apply their passion in a board-appropriate manner will successfully manage to influence events and corporations. Few directors receive any training in how to do this.
This blog post explores the use of detailed board minutes and the risks of inadvertent disclosure.
This post examines some of the differences in thinking between managers and directors. It explains how to assist when a novice director needs help in making the required changes to their thinking.
Carter McNamara of Authenticity Consulting, LLC, provides organization development and consultant training services, and is
developer of the Free Management Library.
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Julie Garland-McLellan uses her experience and depth of knowledge in corporate governance to show boards with limited resources how to be more
effective through practical governance innovation and know-how.
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