Boards of directors have three formal responsibilities every member must adhere to. Duty of Care – Board members are legally bound to act in the best interests of the organization, and make decisions keeping the company’s mission at the forefront. Duty of Loyalty Each member must put his personal and professional interests aside when making decisions for the company. Duty of Obeyance Each member has a legal obligation to ensure that the business adheres to all applicable laws and adheres governance standards.
Boards of directors perform more complex duties than the three mentioned above. The duties of directors vary based on the requirements of each business. For instance, if your business is a public entity, it’s likely that a major part of your board’s responsibilities is overseeing the CEO’s performance and ensuring that the financial statements are in order. If you’re a young company within your company your board could focus more on setting goals for the company’s strategic direction and determining the direction of your business.
The board’s responsibilities also include ensuring a proper balance in risk management. Your board could be required to intervene in a situation that could harm your company’s image, even if they are not legally or ethically responsible. Boards must also ensure their members are aware of the risks of serving on their board, and are prepared to handle these risks in a responsible manner.
Ultimately, all board members have a vital and unique role to play in assisting your business to succeed. It’s important to understand the roles of your board members and how they relate with the objectives of your organization. Aprio’s board portal software, for example can wikipedia reference help you streamline your tasks and conduct meetings efficiently.