Addressing Board Challenges

This paper presents case studies on governance challenges in different institutions. It describes how these institutions addressed governance challenges as well as preventive measures they identified. The case studies in the paper examine:

• Board of directors role within the governance structure vis-à-vis management;
• Issues around managing board relationships;
• Directors different agendas and potential conflict of interests;
• Issues around board members selection and skills required.

Lessons that emerge from various case studies include:

• CEO and board members should trust each other;
• Board members should be independent of management in order to objectively oversee management performance and protect the institutions interests;
• Board members need to commit adequate time and attention to their roles, and work with each others different agendas and perspectives;
• Policy guidelines and an appropriate code of conduct help avoid or resolve conflicts of interest.