Kim BrattainFounder/ CEO, Kim Brattain Media · Award-winning Corporate and Documentary Film Producer

Board Size Importance - Peter Browning Partners | Kim Brattia Media

27 May 2014 · 1 min

Watch on YouTube

0:50

In this brief segment, the speaker highlights that the average S&P 500 board comprises about 10.6 members, noting that many large corporations operate with 6 to 8 directors. The core argument centers on group dynamics: boards that grow too large—typically 12 to 14 members—tend to prolong discussions and hinder active, proactive participation, especially on critical issues. The speaker stresses the importance of ensuring every individual has a chance to engage, implying that a more modest board size facilitates more effective, inclusive decision‑making.

Chapters

The average size of the S&P 500 board is 10.6. So it's not unusual in this day and age, even very large companies, to have 6, 7, or 8. It's all about group dynamics. So if you get too large— by that I mean 12, 13, or 14— and you want to give everyone a chance to participate, believe me, it prolongs the discussion. It makes it more difficult to get in a, a very active, proactive discussion where everyone has a chance to engage. Because what's most important, particularly around critical issues, is giving every individual a chance to participate.