Scientific research
BoardResearch connects board evaluation with research into behaviour, cooperation and decision-making. We make scientific insights accessible to executive, non-executive and supervisory directors.
BoardResearch was founded on the idea that research and evaluation can reinforce each other. We seek to understand what happens inside the boardroom and the conditions that support effective governance. Board evaluation remains our core activity. Alongside it, we support thematic research and make scientific insights accessible. This creates a place where boardroom experience and research meet.
Literature selection checked on 15 September 2026
Selected recent publications, each accompanied by a question for your board to discuss. Publication dates are shown with each article.
This meta-analysis shows that the relationship between board size and firm performance varies with context and the performance measure used. Adding directors is not a universal recipe for a more effective board.
Research in Dutch financial firms shows that the relationship between cognitive disagreement and board advice depends on the tenure of both the board and the management team. Constructive challenge requires an understanding of the organisation.
Scientific research
Publications by researchers associated with BoardResearch or who have contributed to its scientific foundations. Not every study uses BoardResearch data.
This study examines how board–CEO cognitive conflict, psychological safety and chair leadership relate to the monitoring contribution of outside directors.
This study connects director expertise, informal status and conformity within boards. Having expertise around the table does not automatically mean that each member’s knowledge carries equal weight in discussion.
Scientific research
Research by other scholars on boards as groups in which people cooperate, deliberate and decide.
A theoretical model of boards as decision-making groups. It directs attention to effort, substantive discussion and the actual use of knowledge and skills.
An article on improving board processes. The authors focus on what directors do together, alongside the formal characteristics of the board.
The reflection questions are our editorial interpretation for practice. Findings apply within the context studied; a paper cannot diagnose your board. Follow the source link for the original publication. Library access may be required.
A publication can open a useful conversation. A board evaluation helps identify the questions that matter in your own boardroom. Research use of evaluation data requires clear arrangements about purpose, access and processing. Individual responses are not published on this website.
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