The road to multiple corporate board memberships in India: What are the actual challenges when aiming to enter inner circles?

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to review the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoint practical implications from cutting-edge research and case studies.

Design/methodology/approach

This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context.

Findings

This study analyzes insights from women seeking selection onto corporate boards, at various levels of experience. It aims to determine whether gender is really a barrier to their progress in this arena, or whether other factors serve as the practical barriers. The findings of interviews with 27 Indian board directors show that what holds women back, rather than their gender, is a lack of ever-present networking, board capital, and social capital. The solution is to build their visibility, network, and executive-level experience. Top-level women board directors have sufficient influence to bring other women onto the board through their recommendation alone.

Originality/value

The briefing saves busy executives, strategists and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy-to-digest format.

Citation

(2023), "The road to multiple corporate board memberships in India: What are the actual challenges when aiming to enter inner circles?", Human Resource Management International Digest, Vol. 31 No. 3, pp. 7-9. https://doi.org/10.1108/HRMID-01-2023-0006