Boards of directors have three formal responsibilities each member is required to follow. Duty of Care Board members are legally required to act in the best interest of the organization and take decisions that keep the mission of the company at the forefront. Duty of Loyalty: All members are required to put aside their personal and professional interests when making decisions on behalf of the company. Duty of Obeyance Every member has a legal obligation to index ensure that the business complies with all applicable laws and adheres to the highest governance standards.
Boards of directors are entrusted with more complex duties than the three mentioned above. The duties of directors vary based on the needs of each organization. For instance, if your business is a public entity there's a good chance that one of your board's responsibilities is overseeing the CEO's performance and making sure the financial statements are in order. If you're an internal company, your board could be more focused on developing strategic goals and establishing the direction for your business.
Another aspect of the board's responsibilities is to ensure that there is a balanced balance of risk management. Your board could be obligated to intervene in a situation which could damage your company's image even though they are not legally or ethically responsible. Boards must also ensure their members understand the risks of serving on their boards, and are prepared to manage these risks properly.
Ultimately, all board members have a crucial and distinct role to play in helping your company grow. It is crucial to know the roles of your board members and how they connect to the company's goals. Fortunately, tools like Aprio's board portal software can help you streamline your responsibilities and manage meetings efficiently.