Board Diversity: More Than Just a Box to Tick

Oct 26, 2023

Reflection of the World

At its core, a diverse board is one that mirrors the multifaceted world it serves. From varying ethnic backgrounds to a spectrum of skills and experiences, these differences come together to form a rich tapestry of perspectives. In a globalised marketplace, where businesses cater to diverse customer bases, a board that reflects this diversity is better positioned to understand and meet the needs of its stakeholders.

Enhanced Innovation

Diverse teams bring together a wide range of viewpoints, leading to more creative problem-solving and innovative solutions. A board with varied backgrounds can challenge the status quo, introduce fresh ideas, and drive innovation from the top.

Better Risk Management

Different experiences and perspectives mean a broader view of potential risks and challenges. Diverse boards are often more adept at identifying and mitigating risks that might be overlooked in a more homogenous setting.

Financial Outperformance

Several studies have highlighted the correlation between board diversity and better financial performance. For instance, companies with more diverse boards tend to have higher earnings and are more likely to outperform their industry medians.

Strengthened Reputation

In an age of transparency, companies are under constant scrutiny from investors, customers, and the wider public. Demonstrating a commitment to diversity can enhance a company's reputation, making it more appealing to investors and customers who value corporate social responsibility.

Improved Decision-Making

Diverse boards benefit from a broader range of experiences and knowledge, leading to more thorough deliberation and better-informed decisions. This diversity of thought reduces the likelihood of "groupthink" and promotes a more holistic approach to governance.

Talent Attraction and Retention

Top talents, especially from younger generations, often seek out inclusive workplaces that value diversity. By showcasing diversity at the highest levels, companies signal a commitment to these values, making them more attractive to prospective employees.

Setting the Criterion

In the boardroom, achieving genuine diversity requires more than merely ticking boxes. It entails a comprehensive understanding and appreciation of the varied facets that individuals bring to the table.

Demographic Diversity

Gender: A balanced representation of genders, ensuring that decision-making isn't skewed by a single gender's perspective.
Ethnicity/Race: With the global nature of business, boards that reflect a range of ethnicities can offer richer insights, especially when entering new markets or serving diverse customer bases.
Age: Different age groups bring varied experiences and viewpoints. While seasoned professionals offer wisdom and experience, younger board members can bring fresh perspectives and digital savviness.
Nationality: Especially for multinational corporations, having board members from different countries or regions ensures a global perspective and cultural sensitivity.

Cognitive and Experiential Diversity

Professional Background: Members from diverse sectors—be it finance, technology, healthcare, or the arts—can offer insights that might be overlooked in a homogenously skilled board.
Education: Board members with varied educational backgrounds, from liberal arts to STEM fields, can contribute to a broader range of analytical and creative problem-solving approaches.
Socioeconomic Background: Individuals from varied economic backgrounds can offer insights into different market segments and consumer behaviours.
Geography: Members who've lived or worked in different parts of the world can provide valuable insights into regional nuances and global market dynamics.

Skills and Expertise

Technical Skills: As technology increasingly drives business, having board members with expertise in areas like IT, data analysis, or cybersecurity can be invaluable.
Soft Skills: Beyond technical expertise, skills like leadership, communication, negotiation, and emotional intelligence play a crucial role in board dynamics and decision-making.

Values and Cultural Diversity

Religion: Board members from diverse religious backgrounds can offer insights into different cultural values and traditions. It can be particularly valuable for businesses operating in varied regions.
Disability: Including individuals with disabilities not only champions inclusivity but also offers insights into a significant demographic, ensuring their needs and perspectives are considered in board decisions.
Upbringing and Family Background: The environment in which an individual is raised plays a pivotal role in shaping their worldview, values, and decision-making approach. Board members from varied family backgrounds—whether from different socio-economic statuses, family structures, urban or rural settings—bring diverse life experiences and nuances in understanding consumer and market behaviours.

Setting the criterion for board diversity requires a multifaceted approach. It's not just about demographics but also about ensuring a mix of experiences, skills, and values that can drive forward-thinking decisions. As companies set their diversity criteria, they should strive for a holistic blend that truly embodies the varied world in which they operate.

How to Gauge Board Diversity

Self-Assessment and Surveys: Have board members fill out confidential surveys about their backgrounds and experiences. This can help capture both visible and invisible facets of diversity.
Third-party Evaluation: Engage external consultants or firms to assess the board's diversity against benchmarks or industry standards.
Benchmarking: Compare your board's diversity metrics against industry standards, peer companies, or best practices. This can help you identify gaps and areas for improvement.
Board Skills Matrix: Create a matrix that plots out the skills, experiences, and backgrounds you have versus what you need. This can visually highlight gaps in diversity.
Stakeholder Feedback: Engage with shareholders, employees, and other stakeholders to get their perspectives on board diversity.
Regular Reporting: Make diversity a regular item in annual reports or board evaluations. By publicly reporting on diversity metrics, you hold the organisation accountable.
Review Board Recruitment Processes: Analyse the sources and processes by which new board members are recruited. A narrow or homogenous recruitment process can limit diversity.
External Recognition: There are various standards and recognitions, like the Diversity Mark or equivalent standards in the UK, which can be pursued to certify the diversity efforts of a board.

These criteria are a good start. But diversity is more than just ticking boxes. It's about real change at the board level. Different views help make better decisions. They also bring new ideas. Boards should look like the diverse world we live in. In the UK and other places, diversity is important. It shows what society values. It also helps businesses succeed.