The effectiveness of supervisory boards: an exploratory study of challenges in Dutch boardrooms

Stefan C. Peij, Pieter-Jan Bezemer and Gregory F. Maassen

International Journal of Business Governance and Ethics, 2012, vol. 7, issue 3, 191-208

Abstract: Triggered by highly publicised corporate scandals, changing societal expectations and the collapse of financial markets, the roles of boards of directors have changed significantly in safeguarding the interest of shareholders and other stakeholders. Yet, relatively little is known about contemporary challenges non-executive directors face and whether their boards are well-equipped for their new tasks. Based on self-assessment reports by supervisory boards, a survey and interviews with supervisory board members, this paper investigates the challenges non-executive directors face in the Netherlands, particularly after a decade of corporate governance reform. Non-executive directors' inadequate role in scrutinising executive directors' performance, information asymmetries and dysfunctional working relationships between executive and non-executive directors are among the greatest challenges indicated by non-executive directors on Dutch supervisory boards. The paper discusses several implications for scholars and practitioners and provides a unique insight in boardroom dynamics.

Keywords: supervisory board of directors; boardroom challenges; board roles; board skills; corporate governance; boardroom; group dynamics; The Netherlands; supervisory boards; non-executive directors. (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2012
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (3)

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:ids:ijbget:v:7:y:2012:i:3:p:191-208

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