Functions and responsibilities of boards in organizations

Being on a board is a chance to grow—your mind, your skills, your network, your impact. It’s also another time commitment to fit in, and, for some women, another environment where they have to fight to be heard. So, is the payoff worth the effort?

Yes, according to the eight women who volunteered to speak about their experience serving on boards of companies, nonprofits, and schools. They share how they landed a seat, gained confidence in the role, and found unexpected personal and professional benefits in the work. We hope that their perspectives and advice will inspire you to consider trying it yourself some day.
Ellen Zane, who runs a Harvard workshop for women interested in board work, provides further insight based on her years of experience as a director for nonprofits and private and public companies.

Guest expert:

Ellen Zane directs the Women on Boards: Getting on and Adding Value annual program through Harvard’s School of Public Health (here’s the application for the next one, April 18–19, 2024). She’s the former CEO of Tufts Medical Center, and she’s on the board of directors for several nonprofits and private and public companies.

Resources:

• “Research: Board Experience Is Helping More Women Get CEO Jobs,” by Catherine H. Tinsley and Kate Purmal
• “How Women on Boards Navigate the ‘Warmth-Competence’ Line,” by Tiffany Trzebiatowski et al.
• “Research: How Women Improve Decision-Making on Boards,” by Margarethe Wiersema and Marie Louise Mors
• “Are You Ready to Serve on a Board?” by Anthony Hesketh et al.
• “10 Proactive Questions Every Board Member Should Be Asking,” by Andrew White et al.

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