Research - Seattle, Washington, United States
Do women directors make boards more effective? Statistical analysis has shown that corporations with three or more women on their boards have better business results. University of Washington professor Catherine Goethals and author-consultant Susan Bloch set out to investigate what this looks like from inside the boardroom. With the help of 10 research associates, Cate and Sue conducted personal one-on-one interviews with 102 board directors across four continents to document their experience and views on board effectiveness and the specific impact of women directors. Interviewees included a balance of male and female directors, many on the boards of FTSE 200 and Fortune 500 companies and, as the project is based here in Seattle, a number of members of the Northwest Chapter of Women Corporate Directors. Early results make it clear that, while opinions are mixed, most directors believe that women do make a positive difference in the boardroom. A few of the many key areas where they make an impact include behavior in the boardroom, the quality of the debate, risk management, and relationships with senior management. There was much discussion on the best ways to find the right women to sit on the right boards and, particularly among Europeans, around quotas and how to meet them. The "Better Boards Project" final report will roll out later this year.
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