In a recent Nonprofit Quarterly article Rick Cohen volunteered some of his thoughts about what "is wrong" with the University of Virgina board which summarily dismissed its President. At the very least, Rick is certainly correct, in my opinion, to note that the board certainly doesn't have a lot of class in its management of the exec, actually dismissing her (firing) via a phone call (not "face-to-face"). Rick is also right, again in my opinion, to note that something about the firing doesn't seem to click given the reaction of the faculty fully against the board for its action.
But Rick, noting that the situation raised his curiosity about the origin of the board, found in his research that all the board members were from the business sector and this origin helps accounts for the board's level of mis-guidance and behaviors.
Really, Rick? If I have all business people on my nonprofit board I'm not going to be as wise and better behaved than where there are boards comprised of few if any business people? I don't think I can fully agree. I do agree though that a board that has no diversity is not as effective as a board that does -- especially if those board members can provide insights about management, program and sustainability otherwise not at the table. And certainly, providing insights about programming and programming outcomes is best achieved when those who are the beneficiaries of these services are at the table.
But having a board composed singularly of business people can only lead to ruin? i just can't see it.