Boardroom Basics: A Pocket Guide for Directors

by Roger Hayes Ford and Roger Hayes Ford

No Synopsis Available.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0966037200
• ISBN13: 9780966037203
• Release Date: January 1998
• Publisher: Bear Mountain Books
• Length: 176 Pages
• Weight: 0.65 lbs.

Customer Reviews

A fireside chat for directors.

Boardroom Basics: A Pocket Guide for Directors, by Roger H. Ford, Ph.D. (Harrisonburg, VA: Bear Mountain Books, 1998), answers the prayers of every director who has rifled through back issues of Director's Monthly in search of a past "Private Company Boards" column by this prominent consultant to family businesses. It can also benefit directors not yet acquainted with Ford, Showker Professor of Entrepreneurship and Professor of Management at James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Virginia. Basics offers practical guidance on a full range of topics, divided into six sections:· "Introduction" contains articles defining the term "private company board" and defines the role of the board in such an entity. · "Board-Building" explores why, when, and how to build a board in a privately held firm, and what qualifications to seek in a director. · "The Director's Corner" asks and answers " What's in it for me?" and "How can I be an effective director?" · "Success and Failure in the Boardroom Battlefield" presents cases of interest to private-company directors. · "Special Cases" contains articles on start-up, family, and international boards. · "The Bottom Line" offers advice on evaluating the CEO-always a challenge when the CEO is also the chief owner of the company. Cases abound in the "Battlefield" section, where Ford and coauthors present studies in takeover contrast. Tyson Foods failed to take over WLR Foods, a newly public company, because WLR had accumulated loyalty from its constituencies during its long years as a private firm. By contrast, raider Edward Lamb's easily gained control of the old Seiberling Rubber Company, a family business in Akron, Ohio, that had somehow lost its identity soon after going public. Basics also features a first-hand account on "relinquishing the helm" by Warren L. Braun, PE, retired chairman of ComSonics, Inc., a firm in Ford's home town of Harrisonburg. Written in an engagingly personal style, this is the ideal "fireside chat" for directors.

A Must Have for Any Board Director!

Simply stated, anyone who serves on a board will benefit from reading this insightful and practical guide to the multitude of issues facing owners and directors of privately-owned companies. This book is filled with great examples and useful information in an easy to read format that can help boards perform optimally in taking their organizations to the next level of success. A must read and future reference guide for small business owners, entrepreneurs, and board members.

Effective blend of content and format

With its combination of descriptive instructions and candid experiences, Boardroom Basics is an excellent primer for current and aspiring board members. Additionally, this book brings to light the value of a well-organized board to smaller enterprises and as such is a must read for entrepreneurs and family business leaders. Formatted as a series of articles, Boardroom Basics wisely highlights key points on boardroom preparation and conduct. This clever layout allows for quick and effective reference. Board members of any size firm will find the book instructive and enjoyable.