What Directors Think 2021

Diligent Institute partnered with Corporate Board Member and asked 400 directors about the challenges and opportunities they see on the horizon as we kick off 2021.

Key findings

74%

of directors chose growth strategy and COVID recovery as top priorities.

42%

of directors said new technology was the most difficult thing to oversee.

26%

of directors say cash reserves are vital to company success this year. 

66%

 of directors say the economy and GDP are keeping them up at night. 

Boards and governance

About the report

Every fall, as part of its long-running What Directors Think franchise, Corporate Board Member surveys hundreds of public company board members on the topics that are top of the agenda in the boardroom for the year to come. For this 18th edition of the research, Diligent Institute partnered with Corporate Board Member and asked 400 directors about the challenges and opportunities they see on the horizon as we kick off 2021.

What Directors Think with Corporate Board Member: Navigating a Pivotal Year report

What’s most important to 2021 company strategy? 

COVID-19 and its impact on the economy tops corporate directors’ list of concerns as we head into 2021, followed closely by the political landscape.

Are boards acting in light of social pressures?

Half of directors say the events of 2020 have heightened their boards’ awareness of the need for diversity and inclusion—both in and out of the boardroom. 

How are ESG issues being integrated?

Although directors say it’s now become an integral part of the overarching strategy, ESG discussions with shareholders were scarce in 2020. 

Lone man in empty board room

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