Boardroom Matters / Volume IV : The Evolving Role and Expectations of Boards

How do boards and directors stay relevant in the face of the evolving business landscape? What can directors do to ensure that the right systems are in place? How has the regulatory environment and pandemic-related disruptions changed the role of boards?

This fourth volume of Boardroom Matters (The Evolving Role and Expectations of Boards) collects 50 articles published from late 2016 through most of 2020 and continues where Volume III (Towards Effective Boards) left off. The publication of this volume comes after the re-issuance of the earlier series in a limited three-edition box set. Since the publication of the previous volumes, the world has changed forever. The Code of Corporate Governance was revised in August 2018, giving impetus to the momentum of change in board composition and boardroom practices. The updated Code and accompanying changes to the Singapore Exchange Listing Rules highlighted the renewed focus on director independence, board diversity, disclosures around remuneration and sustainability, and stakeholder engagement.

Expectations of the board during the major upheaval caused by the rapid spread of Covid-19 threw a spotlight on board effectiveness, crisis and risk management, board processes and corporate culture. With environmental, social and governance issues entering mainstream discussion, emerging topics of digital transformation, virtual general meetings and corporate conscience have dominated the boardroom agenda.

Boards are now, more than ever, under increased pressure to evolve with the changing regulatory landscape.