Knowledge Center

Our Thought Leaderhip

At MEIoD we try to share knowledge and best practices related to corporate governance as much as possible. Below are insights on some of the key questions we get asked.

2021-03-12 15:23:50

A Look At Corporate Governance In The Context Of COVID-19

How could have corporate governance minimized the impact of COVID-19 on businesses.

2021-07-26 05:34:38

Is it acceptable for a CEO to also be Chairperson

It is still common globally for business leaders to be both CEO and Chairperson of the same company, although there is a trend towards separation. In 2016, just over 50% of companies in the S&P 500 Index were led by a dual Chairperson / CEO, down from 77% in 2001.

2021-12-11 15:36:14

5 ESG trends that should be on your radar

ESG will be a priority for boards across the region. In this article, we explore 5 areas of particular importance, and advise how boards can capitalize on these trends.

2021-12-14 04:11:20

Corporate culture and the role of the board

Why is culture important at the board level, and what are the building blocks of a culture which drives performance and success?

2022-01-01 09:19:57

What does it take to excel in the boardroom

What makes a successful board member? In this article we look at the qualities, qualifications and experience that help both current and prospective board members excel in their role.

2022-01-01 09:28:10

The key drivers of effective corporate governance

Corporate governance is wide ranging in its impact - but what are the core principles that organizations need to focus on as a foundation?

2022-01-13 11:37:24

Which type of board structure does my business need

How is an advisory board different from a board of directors - and which one is right for your business? In this article, we look at the role and strengths of each type of board.

2022-01-13 12:12:56

The Importance of a Code of Ethics in an Organization

In this article we look at why a code of ethics matters to a business, and how different countries in the Middle East codify and regulate corporate ethics.

2022-01-17 10:53:39

Think slow - reducing the pressure to decide in the boardroom

In this article, we look at how companies and their boards can benefit when more time is allowed to consider issues and the pressure to make immediate decisions is reduced.

2022-01-17 13:29:13

How future proof is your board?

This article imagines a series of questions to put to your board members, to assess how well they are prepared for the future challenges and changes which may occur.

2022-02-13 07:49:25

How do you tell if someone is qualified to sit in the boardroom

The question of whether board membership should be viewed as a profession in the same way as law, finance, or medicine, and therefore require the awarding of qualifications by an independent body, is a subject of current global debate.

2022-02-28 11:28:05

What’s your position, what’s your heading—leading vs lagging indicators

Effective performance management requires an understanding of both the status quo and likely future changes. Leading and lagging indicators are valuable tools for boards to achieve that.

2022-03-01 11:38:39

The value of governance for SMEs

In this article, we look at what corporate governance means for SME owners and the various ways in which it can benefit them, regardless of the stage of development of their business.

2022-03-01 11:49:59

Getting started with governance: a guide for SMEs

In this article, we look at a number of practical steps which SMEs in the Middle East can take as they start on the path to implementing corporate governance within their business.

2022-03-08 11:07:28

What’s on the boardroom agenda in 2021

After the disruption of the last 12 months, we’ve looked at how forward-thinking boards in the region are responding to the challenges posed by the “new normal”

2022-09-05 12:15:07

Role of CFO in the boardroom

Antonio Chedrawy, CFO - Credit Risk Management and Growing Markets at Omnicom Media Group (MENA), brings his 20 years of hands-on experience to a discussion of the strategic relationship between the board and the CFO. He emphasizes the need for dynamic, proactive CFOs capable of acting as catalysts within their companies.

2023-02-18 07:30:17

The Shape of Corporate Governance in 2023

After a challenging few years, as we enter 2023 the outlook for businesses in the Middle East is more optimistic. Focusing specifically on corporate governance, there are a number of developments that look set to further align business practices in the region with global norms and lay the foundation for sustained growth and success. We’ve looked at four specific areas of change which we think will have the greatest positive effect on the state of corporate governance across GCC countries in the coming months.

2023-04-18 11:33:41

Updates on Corporate Governance in the Middle East – April 2023

We know that effective corporate governance is essential, not only for the success of a business but also for a powerful economic system. We believe that corporate governance is a vital element to invest in and take seriously, both in terms of the regulations put in place and how companies are managed. In this article, we’ll draw on our experience across the region and provide updates on regulatory changes to detail how corporate governance can be implemented successfully. Our goal is to provide you with insight that you can use to build strong businesses and protect yourself from potential foreseeable risks. We’re passionate about leading the way with corporate governance in the Middle East – let’s explore this together!

2023-04-23 22:23:54

3 ways that corporate governance is crucial to sustaining family businesses

In this article we’ll explore how implementing effective corporate governance is of particular importance in protecting family-owned businesses and ensuring their longevity.

2023-04-23 22:31:18

How governance legislation in Abu Dhabi has affected family-owned businesses

In this article we look at the family business legislation enacted by Abu Dhabi at the beginning of 2022, and how it affects the management of such businesses within the Emirate.

2023-05-22 06:22:45

Boards of Directors in the GCC: Navigating the Aging Boards Issue

As the economies of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) rapidly expand, boards of directors have an increasingly important role in ensuring that businesses are properly governed and run efficiently and effectively. However, with aging boards of directors comes a number of challenges—in particular, the need to plan for future succession and how to ensure that board chairs have the right skillset for each type of organization. In this article, we will explore the issue of aging boards in the GCC, and examine how organizations can best navigate this issue. We will discuss some potential solutions for addressing these challenges, such as encouraging mentorship programs and using technology to streamline board operations.

2023-05-29 09:36:13

Board Composition Trends in GCC

The Middle East Institute of Directors (MEIoD) has revealed several noteworthy trends that are shaping the boards of directors in the GCC region. Understanding these trends can significantly impact an organization's overall performance and decision-making process.

2023-06-08 05:56:29

Politics in the Boardroom: Navigating Power Dynamics and Decision-Making

Effective governance is essential for organizational success. When board members work together constructively, companies thrive. However, all too often politics and power struggles emerge in the boardroom, derailing progress and strategic priorities. Leaders must recognize the signs of unhealthy dynamics and take action to build a cohesive, high-functioning team at the top.

2023-06-08 07:28:02

Why Startups Need Independent Directors: The Key to Good Governance

In the fast-paced business world of today, startups are constantly pushing boundaries and disrupting traditional industries. As they navigate through rapid growth and evolving market dynamics, it becomes essential for startups to prioritize good governance. Although founders often play a crucial role in shaping the vision and direction of a startup, the inclusion of independent directors on the board can provide invaluable insights, strategic guidance, and a check on potential conflicts of interest. As startups grow, the demands on the board of directors intensify, and independent directors with specific expertise can provide key guidance and oversight to help startups navigate challenges. Independent directors are independent in both thought and action, and this independence allows them to evaluate the company strategy, risk, and executive performance objectively.

2023-07-27 10:04:26

The role of the chairperson

The chairperson (or chairman/chairwoman) of a board is a key leadership position within the governance structure of a company. In this article, we’ll look at how the duties and responsibilities associated with chairing a board of directors are changing in today’s boardroom, and the skills needed to succeed in the role.

2023-07-27 11:03:27

How board remuneration impacts company success

As a result of a growing general trend towards accountability and transparency, the question of how board members are remunerated, and the direct and indirect effects that remuneration policy has on the performance and longevity of a company, are increasingly discussed. In this article, we look at the impact of different remuneration policies, and how companies can optimize the way board members are compensated to drive long-term success.

2023-08-02 11:10:58

The value of a family constitution for family-owned businesses

In this article, we explore the concept of the family constitution, what its overall objectives are, and why implementing one can be a sensible choice for family-owned businesses in the Middle East.

2023-08-06 05:55:52

6 questions board members should be asking themselves

Boards spend a lot of time asking questions of others—but how often do they seriously question themselves? We’ve proposed 6 questions to prompt effective self-reflection in the boardroom.

2024-01-16 07:27:12

Case Study

Lessons from a Failed Digital Transformation Implementation

2024-04-15 08:41:24

8 ways boards can drive effective corporate governance

This article takes a look at the ways in which boards can contribute to the effectiveness of corporate governance within the businesses they represent, highlighting 8 key areas.

2024-05-05 07:02:09

How Committees and Boards Interact

Effective interaction between boards and the committees that they appoint is one of the most important elements of good corporate governance. In this article, we’ll look at the roles and responsibilities of different types of committees and their importance to the overall governance of a company.

2024-07-15 09:20:25

Importance of Training for Directors

In the dynamic world of business, directors play a crucial role in steering organizations towards success. Continuous training is essential for directors to stay updated with the latest trends, regulations, and best practices. This video delves into the critical importance of training for directors, offering valuable insights and practical advice.

2024-09-09 06:51:48

Advancing Digital Transformation and Cybersecurity Governance in the Middle East

As the Middle East undergoes rapid digital transformation, companies are increasingly adopting advanced technologies to drive growth, innovation, and efficiency. However, this shift towards digitalization also brings a rise in cyber threats, making robust cybersecurity governance more essential than ever. Companies must prioritize protecting against data breaches, cyber-attacks, and other digital threats while ensuring compliance with evolving data protection regulations.

2024-09-09 08:10:22

Strengthening Stakeholder Engagement and Communication Across the GCC: The Critical Role of Boards in Navigating Shareholder Activism

In the evolving corporate landscape of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region, effective stakeholder engagement and communication have become essential elements of robust corporate governance. Companies in the GCC—including those in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, and Bahrain—are increasingly recognizing the need to maintain open and transparent lines of communication with their stakeholders. This includes employees, customers, investors, and regulators, who are essential in building trust, ensuring accountability, and driving sustainable growth.