7 trends to watch in global boardrooms

2019 is shaping up to be a significant year in the sphere of corporate governance, with seven key trends setting the tone in global boardrooms, according to a recent report by Dr Sabine Dembkowski.

These trends, which range from an increased emphasis on governance through to growing concern surrounding environmental and social issues, are likely to redefine the corporate world as we know it. 

Seven key issues:

It’s fair to say that the corporate sphere is continually evolving. The trends that drive modern business are in a constant state of flux, acting as a mirror for the ever-changing social whims that affect consumer buying habits. 

Year on year, these overarching themes develop further, with seven primary patterns slated for 2019. The first of these is likely to be an increased emphasis on governance, with consumers expecting businesses to become ever more transparent and accountable. 

In addition to this, there is likely to be a growing focus on environmental and social issues, largely due to movements like Greta Thunberg’s school strike. This will force boards to more fully embrace a green approach, and to be proactive rather than reactive to social issues. 

There will likely be a heightened spotlight on the role of stakeholders too, with the new Corporate Governance Code in the UK, for example, encouraging boards to incorporate employee perspectives through employee directors and workforce advisory councils. 

Four further themes were also identified in the report: the growing influence of fund managers, greater accountability for directors, more active engagement between major shareholders and chairpeople, senior independent directors etc., and changing board composition (i.e. a drive towards increased diversity). 

How companies can embrace these global trends in the boardroom:

This report is of particular interest to smaller and medium-sized companies, who may not have the necessary resources to implement these themes in the same way as larger enterprises. 

However, as a company spokesperson for Better Boards Limited explains: “These trends can help to drive internal decision-making moving forwards, giving companies a goal to work towards and an improved focus on the issues that are really important in today’s cut-throat commercial world.”


About Better Boards Limited

Better Boards in London is an independent consultancy specialised in developing executive and governing Boards and Executives that work with boards and aspire to a board position. Better Boards is credited with having identified the ‘Seven Hallmarks of Effective Boards’ and having developed an innovative online audit tool. The seven hallmarks have been peer-reviewed and published in the US, the UK and across Europe. Leading investors, listed organisations and growth companies have worked with Better Boards, applied the principles of their research and achieved tangible results. As a result, Dr. Sabine Dembkowski and her team are trusted and valued partners for Chairs, CEOs, Executive and Non-Executive Directors and investors who have a genuine interest in bringing the highest level of governance to life.


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