10Minutes on the boardroom agenda

November 2011

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At a glance

In this short report, PwC discusses new governance regulations, new risks, and issues of executive compensation and succession planning.

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Directors recognize the changing governance landscape. New governance regulations, risks associated with emerging technologies and fraud, and the effects of the economic downturn have corporate directors focusing on ways to increase their effectiveness in the boardroom. Executive compensation, risk management, and succession planning are three areas of focus for directors.

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How do boards deal with IT threats?
Ask management key questions about how they are addressing and assessing IT risk.

Who is responsible for risk management?
The entire board owns risk management, and prioritizing the key risk to the company is crucial.

How often should the board discuss risk and other important topics?
Boards should adopt a forward agenda to cover critical issues.

What should new board members know about what it takes to be a director?
Know the company and its products.

Is it difficult for boards to find good directors?
Diversity can allow for broader perspectives in the boardroom.

How important is management's "tone at the top" to the board of directors?
Management sets the tone for the company.

How should boards prepare for a crisis?
Ask management about the company's action plan.

Communicating with shareholders.
Boards are engaging more, and some are considering direct communication.

What are the biggest concerns for corporate boards?
Information technology breaches, risk management and strategy are key issues boards address.