A recent report about the composition of Boards of Directors over the last seven years indicates that the greatest obstacle for minorities in gaining entry to the boardroom is the lack of operating or financial experience. According to the report, networks of white men who connect through college, work and social activities feel more comfortable with people who look like themselves and this results in similar board replacements for open seats that rarely turnover.

Questions:
1. According to the article, which minorities are losing ground on the boards? Discuss the specifics and percentages.
2. When does the group writing the report predict that women will achieve parity with men on the boards?
3. The article proposes ways to correct this barrier situation. What measures do they propose?
4. What do you see as the benefits in diversity on Boards?

Source:
Olson, Elizabeth. (2016). Barriers to Board Positions Persist for Minorities and Women, Report Shows. The New York Times, May 16 (Retrievable online at http://www.nytimes.com/2016/05/17/business/dealbook/corporate-boards-minorities-women.html)