Leading from the Boardroom: Governance Principles and Practices

Catalog description

This course provides students with a comprehensive understanding of board governance systems across various types of organizations, including public, private, and nonprofit entities. Emphasizing the roles and responsibilities of boards of directors, the course explores the complex dynamics within the boardroom, involving board members, the CEO, and the senior management team, as well as leadership strategies that drive high performance. Key topics include board structure, governance principles, legal and fiduciary duties, and an examination of current cases of governance success, failures, controversies, and emerging issues in today's boardrooms. The course also focuses on identifying the elements of high-performing boards and understanding how governance principles and best practices contribute to organizational success and sustainability. A distinctive feature of this course is the firsthand insights into boardroom practices, provided by experienced instructors and guest speakers. Students will gain real-world perspectives on how boards influence organizational direction and oversee performance. Through assignments and hands-on role-playing exercises, students will deepen their understanding of governance. By the end of the course, students will be well-equipped to assess the governance structures of organizations and effectively collaborate with or serve on boards as members, investors, CEOs, or executives.