Enhancing board performance through greater diversity and inclusion

Challenge

Research has shown that boards enjoy better performance and more effective decision-making with increased gender diversity in boards.

To empower women to navigate board dynamics effectively and become better key decision-makers, the Singapore Council of Women’s Organisations BoardAGender entered a partnership with Verian to:

1. Create a gender-based theoretical framework for analysing board dynamics and to improve performance through diversity.
2. Examine gender-based board members’ perspectives and experiences to inform implementation for improved board performance.
3. Recommend solutions to boost board performance and promote gender diversity and inclusion.

Approach

Our approach to this study consists of 3 phases.

Stage 1:

Desk-Scan + Literature review to distil the landscape for boardrooms in Singapore.

Stage 2:

FGDs with n=25 board members, directors, and chairpersons to gather lived experiences and realities of the intricate power dynamics in boardrooms.

• This included the use of projective techniques to draw out insights and encourage nuanced discussions on perceptions, challenges, and behaviours.

Stage 3:

Using rapid evidence assessment to consolidate and synthesise findings, as well as to develop recommendations.

Impact

This project provided tangible strategies for aspiring and existing women directors to effectively navigate gender dynamics in boardrooms to increase credibility and contribute to corporate growth.

It has also shown that greater boardroom diversity leads to improved accountability and decision-making.

With this, we hope to foster a more gender-inclusive and equitable environment in corporate boardrooms.