A board’s role in corporate governance involves overseeing and advising an organization to ensure that it operates in a fair, legal manner and in its shareholders’ and stakeholders’ interests. Boards perform this function by operating independently of the management of the company as well as day-to-day operations. The board makes sure that the strategy plans of the company are aligned with its legal obligations, financial obligations and ethical obligations. It also determines the biggest threats to the business, as well as the processes to manage them, as well as delegating some of these tasks.
Many boards have appoint a chair, whose task is to facilitate meetings and maintain good dynamic, as well as deciding the agenda. Other responsibilities of the chair include online document management encouraging discussions and debate, as well as ensuring that important issues are given proper attention. Board secretaries are also crucial in scheduling board meetings and preparing the agenda.
In addition boards are increasingly involved in a variety of areas, including risk and strategy management, sustainability, mergers and acquisitions and development of culture and talent. They should also put an intense focus on ESG (environmental social and governance) issues that have become crucial for both consumers and investors alike.
The effectiveness of a board is determined by its structure and the members who have a mix of knowledge, skills and expertise. This includes ensuring that they have a good understanding of the industries which the companies they represent and how they operate. This is crucial in their ability to confront and assist management in bringing the company’s strategy in line with changing consumer and investor expectations.