Boards

When the US pay czar, Kenneth Feinberg, approved the compensation of the top executives at seven troubled financial institutions, he insisted that they all appoint an independent director as the board chair rather than the CEO. Several major investors — the Government Pension Fund of Norway, which manages $400 billion in assets, among them — […]

Leadership transitions go awry with alarming frequency, often the result of an emotionally charged power struggle between the CEO and his would-be heir. Four practices, however, can help successors defuse the crisis—and make it to the top.

Research-backed strategies to help directors ensure that everyone's voice is heard.

Pandemics, global warming, cyberattacks, and other catastrophes are a question of when, not if.

When a crisis forces outside directors to navigate major changes, investors and directors must adopt new roles. The largest such case to date provides some useful lessons. The Royal Dutch/Shell Group was a 60/40 joint venture between Royal Dutch Petroleum and Shell Transport and Trading. It was run by a five-person committee of managing directors […]

The recent hearings on Apple’s tax practices raises significant questions about who pays what and why.

Over the last five years, the percentage of Fortune 100 board members possessing relevant credentials rose from 29% to 43%.

“Did I find it frustrating as the White House Chief of Staff? Toughest job I ever had, but…if you find it unpleasant to cope with a complex problem that is simultaneously the business of four or five Cabinet departments, several public interest groups, and the Congress, and one that the President will finally decide, then […]

Innovation is now the be-all and end-all in every industry.

Executives no longer have the time necessary to develop the leadership skills for long-term success.

A study reveals the barriers blocking Black directors and suggests the way forward.

This post is part of our in-depth look at Obama's First 90 Days in office. One of the core challenges of turnaround leadership is how much to share the...

Owners need to get their house in order first.

The Idea: After losing a proxy fight to the activist investor Carl Icahn, Blockbuster’s then CEO faced a new obstacle: executing strategy in the face of boardroom opposition. He looks back on what he might have done differently.

Over the past decade, more and more institutional investors have taken an interest in companies' records on environmental sustainability, social responsibility,...

The CEO and cofounder of Seventh Generation, a maker of environmentally responsible household and personal care products, describes how he came to realize...

Three decision-making traps.

"I get completely caught up in fire-fighting and can't find the time to advance my longer-term priorities." This is a common managerial lament, the frustration...

Last week, the Healthsouth Corporation became one of the first companies to adopt a bylaw that allows a shareholder to claim reimbursement of reasonable...

It is hard to believe but yes, 2009 is winding down. Thanksgiving is around the corner, the holiday rush is almost palpable, and before you know it we’ll be watching our TV screens for the ball to drop in Times Square. It is about this time of year that many businesses begin to feel the […]