30th Annual Board of Directors Study

To mirror the globalization of governance, the Korn/Ferry 30th Annual Board of Directors Study expanded the scope of this special anniversary survey to examine board practices and opinions of directors of major corporations throughout the world. Board members in the Americas, Asia Pacific and Europe were invited to participate in this landmark study.

Interest and enthusiasm is evident: 1,362 directors from 15 nations completed and returned the questionnaire. CEOs accounted for 32 percent of the respondents; presidents, 17 percent; and board chairmen, 32 percent.

Our first section reviews findings on a global level; regional results are then presented in distinct sections. The Americas encompasses Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Mexico and the United States. The European section is based on responses from board members of companies headquartered in France, Germany and the United Kingdom. Asia Pacific includes Australia, Hong Kong/China, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore and Thailand.

As with each of our Board of Director studies, selected issues pertinent to boards are examined. This year, corporate governance and regulation are the focus.

Data reported in proxies of FORTUNE 1000 organizations is the basis for our Proxy Information section. This data tracks changes in board practices of the largest public organizations headquartered in North America. Where appropriate, comparisons with information gathered during the past 30 years are made.