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Leading Edge: Board to Death - Henley Business School Finland

Leading Edge #4: Board to Death: why companies fail

Communications between companies and their boards are not what it should be, so tension and conflict are rife. Almost 100% of boards and top teams can identify the issues but statistics show 67% dare not talk about them. This leads to a continual slow decline, or fumbling forward.

Andrew Kakabadse, Professor of Governance and Leadership, discusses why communication between senior management and company boards is not as it should be.

Listen to what Andrew has to say about:

  • Competitive advantage – people and system problems
  • Who is actually steering an organisation – the Chairman, CEO or COO?
  • High profile failures and their alarming similarities

Andrew’s predictions for 2030

There is every possibility that the EU might not be here in 3-5 years. The UK focus on the best trade deals will highlight political vulnerabilities. First will be Germany, which will start giving way to some of Britain’s requirements. Who will follow? When they see this benefit?

It will be interesting to see what Ireland will do, then France where Macron’s tone has already softened towards Britain. If these countries falter, then Europe will fragment. It is doubtful that we will see a change of mindset in Brussels to be able to accommodate the challenges they will face.

Leading Edge: Board to death - why companies fail

“If we continue down this road, we will have a problem. So the official statistic that emerged is 100% know their problems, 67% didn’t talk about them. And what does that mean? Just continued slow deterioration.” – Andrew Kakabadse

About the host

Thomas Mason is a BBC reporter with a specialist interest in tech, business and politics. Thomas has a background as a project manager and marketing consultant, and also writes leadership and management articles for LinkedIn Influencers.

Follow the Leading Edge podcast series

This recording was made between 28.02.20 and 05.03.20.

Niina Tuttavainen - Henley Business School Finland

Niina Tuttavainen

Marketing and Administration Specialist
+358 40 832 9406

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