Title: The corporate board and the challenge of technology

Authors: Rias J. Van Wyk

Addresses: Management of Technology Programme, Graduate School of Business, University of Cape Town, Breakwater Campus, Green Point, ZA-8001, South Africa

Abstract: This paper explores the changing nature of corporate governance, as manifested in board room activities, and the challenges posed by management of technology (MOT). Due diligence requires that boards consider a number of initiatives to equip themselves for their involvement in MOT. Corporate boards should insist on adequate information on the changing technological landscape. They should ask for briefings in this area just as they require briefings on economics, social change, politics and so on. Next, they should consider specific steps to enhance their technological literacy. In this respect an in-company training course in the comprehensive theory of technology is suggested. Finally corporate boards should set up explicit procedures spelling out how to utilize their technological insight when they become involved in the strategy formation process.

Keywords: corporate boards; corporate governance; strategy formation; technology management; technology analysis; in-company training.

DOI: 10.1504/IJTM.1996.025445

International Journal of Technology Management, 1996 Vol.11 No.3/4, pp.470 - 478

Published online: 22 May 2009 *

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