|
IS THERE A CORRELATION BETWEEN CORPORATE PERFORMANCE AND THE USE OF OUTSIDE BOARD MEMBERS? This 1997 research from the University of Leeds in the UK is one of the better attempts to empirically validate the assumption that corporate performance is enhanced by having outside directors. Results are mixed. In smaller companies, the use of outside directors is associated with higher economic performance. The beneficial effects shrink as public company size increases. Why? The author speculates that in small companies, outside directors usually are put on the Board because they have something of value to contribute to the company and are prepared to roll up their sleeves to actually open doors for the company. Larger public companies often hire "Trophy" outside directors whose great value is name recognition. They may lack the competence to "dig in" and really help.
We speculate that the governance structure of larger companies may focus outside Board members to be Committee Oriented instead of Corporate oriented. The necessary work of the Committee not only drains their time but narrows their perspective. The Enron Board consisted of such well known "Trophy" outside directors, Enron had received an award from a governance magazine one year before it went bankrupt. The lesson to be learned: get people who are prepared to work and are competent and unafraid to ask tough questions. Retaining a search firm to find "Trophy" directors may not be a wise way to spend shareholder money. What do you think? Send your reactions to lstybel@boardoptions.com Board Options, Inc. Founded in 1979, Stybel Peabody Lincolnshire helps companies manage the senior executive assignment cycleTM for leaders and senior professionals. Its retained search practice is limited to positions touching the Board. Assignment Cycle services include helping leaders to rapidly take charge in new assignments, increasing leadership effectiveness, and rapidly creating new opportunities when it is time to move to the next assignment. Clients who retain us appreciate our Board perspective and networks. There are 114 offices and 242 consultants around the world to assist Stybel Peabody Lincolnshire clients. ** For a full copy of the University of Leeds report click here: |
Return To Board Options Home Page
