Board Size: What Is the Ideal Number of Directors?

Is it just me or is there growing momentum for non-profits to reduce their board size? Maybe boards have been bitten by the spring cleaning bug!
 

There are pros and cons for different board sizes - here is a breakdown.

SMALL BOARDS

Pros: 

• Consensus is typically reached faster and decision making is easier resulting in shorter meetings
• Easier to share opinions and have all voices heard
• Easier to foster a more cohesive board culture
• Less board recruitment required
• Reduced costs - less people travelling (in pre-COVID times) and reduced expenses
• Easier to book meetings
• Less Directors for the ED/CEO to manage

Cons:

• Less hands and minds available to do the work
• Reduction in number of directors may result in less diverse perspectives
• Smaller succession planning pool 
• May experience difficulty reaching quorum
• Smaller number of Director networks to leverage

LARGER BOARDS

Pros:

• Allows for more diverse voices and broader skillsets and experience
• More hands on deck to do the work
• Larger succession planning pool 
• Easier to get quorum
• Access to more Director networks

Cons:

• More people = more discussion = longer meetings!
• Harder to reach consensus
• More board recruitment required
• More potential for factions or cliques
• More directors for the ED/CEO to manage

I’m sure there are other pros and cons from your own board experiences. If you are hoping that I can provide the optimal number of directors, unfortunately, there is no magic number. Each organization needs to determine the right size for their own unique non-profit.
 

It is important for boards to assess board size strategically and to determine how best to leverage the experience and skillsets required. Before committing to reducing board compositions, boards should explore the root cause for making the change as the answer may be related to other issues.

Regardless of the board size you go with …

“We must remember that one determined person can make a significant difference, and that a group of determined people can change the course of history.”  -  Sonia Johnson

As always, if you need help with any governance projects, don't hesitate to reach out! 

Yours in Good Governance,
Heather Terrence, CAE
Pinpoint Governance Group