how effective a board of directors is ultimately depends on the quality and conduct of its members and their ability to properly oversee and guide a company so that it can achieve its goals of building profitability and shareholder value 
each member should bring to the table different expertise and skills that relate to the company s focus they must be able to work together harmoniously and constructively to achieve common objectives and fulfill fiduciary responsibilities their motivation should be the company s advancement rather than their own and therefore they must recognize and handle conflicts of interest that may arise additionally an effective board of directors maintains transparency of its oversight and decision making thus ensuring the accountability of its independent and ethical standards and conduct 