The primary objective of my research is to establish causality between board decision making (governance) and subsequent business performance. The methodological approach I have adopted and continue to develop is largely through the 'black box' (direct board room observations, board decision making, or proxy sites). The caveat being the need to span the academy-practitioner divide producing relevant outputs to both governance research and governance practitioner communities.
Impact on both communities is measured by regular invitations to attend conferences, address practitioners, and publish widely.
Various executive education contracts ($730k to date ) have also provided opportunities for data collection and access to boards of directors. Professional directorships (Greenlea Group Ltd, Beetham Pastural Limited, Henergy Eggs Ltd, Heritage Farms (New Zealand) Ltd, T H Enterprises & Vision Manawatu) have provided and continue to provide experiential learning for critically reflective practice. Visible impact, relevance and credibility with the governance community is also critical for access for students.
Governance research is in its infancy, relationships may or may not have been observed, and causality between boards and performance is yet to be established. Theory is dominated by agency, and has been found wanting. 'Black box' research provides an alternate approach and is increasingly envied by the research community.
