Level
Fundamentals.
Course description
The Mastering Board Governance programme equips participants with a deep understanding of effective governance principles and board responsibilities. Developed by the IMD Global Board Center, it blends cutting-edge research with real-world case studies of governance successes and failures across industries. Through weekly board simulations and expert coaching, participants practise key board roles and sharpen their decision-making and group dynamics skills. This programme can be taken on its own or as part of the IMD Board Readiness Diploma pathway.
Course objectives
The programme enables participants to:
- Develop a solid understanding of how governance drives organisational performance.
- Deepen their knowledge of the roles and responsibilities of the board, as well as other governance participants and stakeholders.
- Identify and assess the four underlying pillars of board effectiveness using a concrete framework.
- Proactively recognise governance risks and apply effective mitigation strategies.
- Explore core areas of board work, including strategy, risk management, stakeholder engagement, mergers and acquisitions (M&As), succession planning, environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues, and stewardship.
Course outline
Unit 1: What is governance?
- Be able to articulate what governance is and how it drives organisational performance.
- Identify what defines good governance, notably the drivers and key characteristics.
- Appreciate the role and responsibilities of the board in shaping governance.
- Understand the importance of the board in driving organisational governance.
Unit 2: The role of the board
- Understand the essential responsibilities of the board of directors.
- Assess how a board reacts in times of crisis.
- Evaluate the main functions of board supervision and control.
- Assess the role of the board vs the role of management.
- Identify the major sources of board dysfunction.
Unit 3: The four pillars of board effectiveness (Pillar 1)
- Identify the drivers of board effectiveness.
- Assess a board against the first pillar in the “Four Pillars of Board Effectiveness” framework: people quality, focus and dedication.
Unit 4: The four pillars of board effectiveness (Pillars 2, 3, 4)
- Articulate the importance of Pillars 2, 3 and 4 (information architecture, structures and group dynamics) to governance.
- Diagnose a board’s effectiveness using the above dimensions.
Unit 5: Board best practices
- Understand the board’s role in the strategy and risk processes.
- Deepen awareness of critical board processes, such as managing CEO succession and M&As.
- Define stakeholder engagement for boards, including stakeholder mapping.
- Identify the board role in overseeing ESG and integrity.
- Reflect on stewardship and the future of governance.
Target audience
Participants include senior professionals, managers and executives preparing for their first board mandate, as well as newly appointed board members. The programme also supports board secretaries seeking to enhance governance practices, family business members aiming to strengthen their contribution to long-term growth, and C-level executives looking to build a solid foundation in board governance.
Course duration
5 weeks (6-8 hours of self-paced study per week)
Format
Online; including live webinars and collaborative group discussions.
Course dates
Run 1: Feb – March
Run 2: May – June
Run 3: Oct – Nov
Course fee
SID members: CHF 2,655 (please email [email protected] to access this discounted price).
Non-members: CHF 2,950
CPD hours
40 hours