Poised for change? Poised for change? Poised for change?

Changing consumer behaviours and expectations of stakeholders are challenging boards in new ways. Having a diversity of thought around your boardroom table is vital to ensure your organisation can question assumptions, understand megatrends and drive organisational performance and growth at a time of unprecedented risk and demands for talent. Is your board ready to meet these challenges?

To better understand how directors view the opportunities and challenges of enhancing diversity in the boardroom, the KPMG Board Leadership Center surveyed more than 700 directors around the world. Among the Irish respondents to the survey, it’s clear that:

• 66% would make moderate changes to the composition of their board if rebuilding
• 50% of respondents are moderately concerned the lack of diverse views hampers insightful discussion
• 50% of directors identified technology / digital strategy as an area their board is lacking but does not immediately require resolution.
• 61% Race is a significant areas identified by directors as lacking, but that did not need immediate resolution.
• 30% Gender is a significant areas identified by directors as lacking, but that did not need immediate resolution.
  

While a majority of directors say board leadership is effective at drawing out the views of all members, achieving better boardroom discussions is a work in progress. These trends are also reflected in other countries around the world, with notable variations.

Are you interested in enhancing boardroom diversity in your business or organisation?  To find out more about how KPMG perspectives and fresh thinking can help you focus on what’s next, contact Maria Diver or Barrie O'Connell of our Board Leadership Centre; we'd be delighted to hear from you.