Boardroom 'tenure trap' sidelines new voices despite 93% participation rate

Nearly all directors say they are heard, but CBD finds tenured members hold disproportionate sway.

Singapore board members overwhelmingly say their views are heard during discussions, but fewer believe those views carry equal weight.

A joint report from the Council for Board Diversity and Egon Zehnder revealed that 93% of respondents—comprising those who strongly agree (42%) and agree (51%)—said the views of all board members are heard.

However, a gap between participation and influence in boardroom decision-making persists, as 73% of respondents—strongly agree (23%) and agree (50%)—believe that all views are equally valued.

Despite 87% of respondents stating that debates are conducted in a frank and open manner, 10% are neutral, whilst 2% disagree.

Another 27%—neutral (22%) and disagree (5%)—said they are uncomfortable challenging each other’s views, despite 73% indicating the opposite.

Differences in inclusion across gender, age, and tenure also loom amongst board members, with about 74% agreeing that experiences of inclusion differ across these groups, whilst 17% remained neutral and 9% disagreed or strongly disagreed.

The report suggested that some directors may participate from positions of greater authority or comfort than others, citing the example of more tenured directors receiving more attention or respect than newer board members.