Board directors must be mindful of family dynamics in businesses, says panellist

[SINGAPORE] Independent directors serving on boards of listed family businesses need to be sensitive to power dynamics within the family, and identify the decision-maker in the business, said one academic specialising in family business and strategy.

Although the role of board directors is limited to business matters, family conflicts can spill over into these matters, said Dr Marleen Dieleman from IMD Business School.

She was speaking at a panel organised by the Singapore Institute of Directors titled “When Board Members Disagree – Lessons from Recent Public Disputes” held at the Park Royal Collection Marina Bay hotel.