12


98% 59%


European average Number of directors per board


20% / 80%


European average Executive / Non-executive directors on board


Norway non-executive directors Poland non-executive directors


and redrawn. Otherwise, it is all too easy for the two sides to fall into an “us versus them” mentality. Or, worse still, the outsiders may abdicate responsibility by acting as a rubber stamp for the decisions of a strong CEO and their top team.


The importance of non-executive directors is emphasised by the fact that across Europe around 80% of board members are non- executives. Infl uenced by regulation, this proportion varies from 59% in Poland to 98% in Norway.


It is notable in our research that there is an under-current of feeling that the balance of the board is important but not achieved.


Being a non-executive director means being prepared to take the fl ak rather than sitting comfortably back and asking easy questions. To truly contribute and to off er valuable insights requires in depth business knowledge and an ability to tap into context.


“Being a non-executive director means being prepared to take the fl ak rather than sitting comfortably back and asking easy questions.”


Heidrick & Struggles 5


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