Asian boards lack diversity due to closed network of members

While gender diversity has always been in the spotlight, survey finds that ethnic diversity is falling even further behind

Published Wed, Nov 6, 2019 · 09:50 PM

Singapore

BOARDS in Asia lack diversity on multiple fronts - gender, ethnicity, skills, generations and board tenure - largely due to the homogeneous composition and closed network of board members, according to a report published by the Center for Creative Leadership (CCL) on Wednesday.

The centre surveyed 350 board members from India, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka and Vietnam, and conducted 109 interviews with board leaders across Asia.

According to the report, interviewees pointed out that most boards have a very predictable composition made up of accountants, lawyers, ex-CEOs, and in some cases retired government officials.

"Since Asian boards' focus traditionally has centred around compliance and regulation, boards comprise mainly leaders wit…

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