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Giving Voice to Values in the Boardroom

Cynthia Clark author

Format:Hardback

Publisher:Taylor & Francis Ltd

Published:31st Dec '20

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Giving Voice to Values in the Boardroom cover

This book addresses the values-driven challenges faced by boards of directors, offering practical strategies and insights from experienced members, while exploring key topics like governance, director independence, and conflict resolution.

"Giving Voice to Values in the Boardroom" by Cynthia E. Clark is a guide aimed at helping boards of directors navigate the values-driven challenges they encounter regularly. The book employs the "giving voice to values" framework to address key issues that board members face, drawing on insights from experienced directors who have confronted similar dilemmas. Topics explored include strategic planning, director independence, privacy and cyber risks, executive compensation, and CEO succession planning. Additionally, the book delves into potential conflicts of interest in the director selection process and the roles of the nominating and compensation committees, all aimed at fostering better board dynamics.

The foundation of the book is built on a simple yet profound question: "What if you were going to act on your values—what would you say and do?" This inquiry prompts readers to reflect on their values in the context of corporate governance. The author provides an overview of the current landscape of corporate governance, detailing the essential rules and responsibilities of board members. The latter sections of the book present five common scenarios, referred to as "Board Challenges," which illustrate the complexities often encountered in board settings.

Clark offers practical strategies for board members and other stakeholders involved in corporate governance, equipping them to effectively address these challenges. Each case study includes discussion questions that explore the stakes and stakeholders involved, common rationalizations, and examples of how other organizations have successfully navigated similar issues. This comprehensive approach aims to empower directors to voice their values and make informed decisions in the boardroom.

"Professor Clark’s outstanding and much-needed book, Giving Voices to Values in the Boardroom, starts from the premise that voicing one’s values matters to board decision-making, and values drive behavior. To change behaviors, director voices are needed.

Speaking up can be very challenging – and even costly – for directors.

Beginning with the central challenge in corporate governance – director independence – Dr. Clark critiques real boardroom situations that both strengthen and undermine director independence, competencies and dynamics. Then, Dr. Clark proceeds to tackle the central role of a board: CEO succession and compensation, and linking both of these to strategic execution. Dr. Clark concludes with the risks and opportunities of digitization, which has the power not only to disrupt business models but make companies obsolete. Again, voices matter. A good board is never in denial.

Based on weaving research with real board situations and interviews, Professor Clark’s book is a welcome and fresh perspective on the way boards actually impact performance (or not). This book makes a significant contribution to the field and should be a must-have for any director who wants to make a difference on the board on which they are a member. I highly recommend it!" - Richard Leblanc, FCMC, BSc, MBA, LLB, JD, LLM, PhD, Professor of Governance, Law & Ethics, York University, and Independent Advisor to Boards

ISBN: 9780367179373

Dimensions: unknown

Weight: 410g

118 pages