ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book focuses on the cultural, behavioural and emotional dynamics of boards. It contains a collection of papers written by participants of the Tavistock Institute of Human Relations programme Dynamics @ Board Level. The book is concerned with governance and administration, important as these are. It attempts to enlarge our understanding of the dynamics in the board-room through studying its culture, behaviour and emotions and their unconscious determinants and how these affect leadership capability and decision-making. The book believes knowledge of ‘dynamics’ is central to effective board functioning. The financial crisis of 2008 formed the background to the establishment of the Dynamics @ Board Level programme; we realized that role and behaviour should be the basis of a critical examination of board effectiveness.
