What is a Board of Directors?

The board of directors is the governing body of a corporation, typically composed of shareholder-elected representatives who oversee the company's management and make major decisions on its behalf. The size and composition of the board vary from company to company. Still, it typically includes a mix of inside and outside directors, with the latter providing an important check on management.

Outside directors are usually hired for their expertise and familiarity with the industry rather than their loyalty to the company. As such, they play an important role in ensuring that the corporation is run responsibly. Ultimately, the board of directors is responsible for setting the company's strategic direction and ensuring that it operates in a manner that is consistent with its shareholders' interests.

The Importance of Your Board of Directors

The board of directors is a group of individuals elected by the shareholders of a company to act on their behalf. The board is responsible for overseeing the company's management and ensuring that it is operated in the best interests of the shareholders. The board also has the power to appoint and remove the CEO, set strategic direction, and make decisions on major transactions such as mergers and acquisitions. In short, the board of directors plays a vital role in a company's governance. As such, ensuring that your board is composed of experienced and qualified individuals committed to acting in the company's best interests is important.

Types of Board of Directors

·       Governing boards

A Governing board is one where the organization's owner does not sit as a member. Instead, the board is staffed by people who can provide direction to the owner regarding the organization's best interests and future goals.

·       Working Board

A Working board will work as the board of directors and the organization's staff simultaneously. This typically only happens in small or new organizations where the owners need more employees. If this is you, try to pay attention to your governance! It can be easy to let these crucial things slide.

·       Advisory Board

The Advisory Board is a body of individuals that provides advice and guidance to the Board of Directors of a company or organization. The Advisory Board may be formed by the Board of Directors or by shareholders, and it typically consists of experts in the field who can offer valuable insights and perspectives. The Advisory Board does not have any formal decision-making power. Still, its members can provide valuable input on strategic decisions and help shape the company's direction. In many cases, the Advisory Board meets regularly to discuss current issues and to provide advice and guidance to the Board of Directors. The role of the Advisory Board is to provide an objective perspective and offer advice and guidance in the best interest of the company or organization.

·       Managing or Executive Board

The role of the management or executive board of directors is to oversee the organization's activities and ensure that it is operating efficiently and effectively. The board is responsible for setting the strategic direction of the organization and for ensuring that the goals of the organization are met.

To do this effectively, they will typically function as a group of subcommittees where each committee handles a different area of the organization.

How Many People Should be on a Board?

A board of directors can vary depending on the size and type of company. However, most boards typically have between three and seven members. While there is no hard and fast rule, smaller boards are generally more effective. This is because they allow for better communication and collaboration between members. Additionally, smaller boards are easier to manage and provide greater flexibility when making decisions. Of course, the final decision on board size should be made by the company's shareholders. Ultimately, they should choose the number of directors they believe will best serve the company's interests.

Who Should be on a Board of Directors?

When setting the direction of a company, it is essential to have a strong and effective board of directors. But who should be on the board? In general, the board should be composed of individuals with a wide range of skills and experience. This includes financial expertise, legal knowledge, and industry experience. Diversity is also important, as it helps to ensure that different perspectives are represented. In addition, it is important to have board members committed to the company and its success. Ultimately, the best board members are those who can make decisions that are in the company's best interests.

Best Practices for Working With Your Board Of Directors

There is no one-size-fits-all answer regarding the best practices for working with your board of directors. However, some general principles can help to ensure a productive and harmonious relationship. First and foremost, it is important to remember that the board is there to provide guidance and oversight, not to micromanage the organization's day-to-day operations. As such, it is important to communicate the roles and responsibilities of both the board and the staff. 

This will help to avoid misunderstandings and frustration on both sides. Furthermore, it is essential to maintain open lines of communication and encourage active participation from all board members. Following these general principles can create a strong foundation for a productive and successful partnership with your board of directors.

Wrapping Up

If you follow the steps in this guide, you'll be on your way to building a strong and effective board of directors for your company. The process can seem daunting, but our corporate lawyers at Steven and Company Law Corporation are here to help. We have the experience and knowledge to ensure that your board complies with all the necessary regulations. Contact us today to get started.