Czynniki warunkujace skutecznoϾ rad nadzorczych (Factors determining the effectiveness of the supervisory boards)

The aim of the paper is to identify exactly how members of Polish supervisory boards define an effective supervisory board, including their views on which spheres should display such efficacy and what determinants influence a board’s effectiveness. Research materials were collected through interviews with thirty–four respondents, members of the supervisory boards of twenty–seven companies listed on the WSE among the top forty in terms of capitalization in 2011. Research results indicate that the efficacy of supervisory board activity should make its appearance in the spheres of supervision and cooperation with the management board. According to the interviewed board members, the main factor that determines a board’s effectiveness is a make-up ensuring diversity of competencies of its members, their independence and curiosity, and skills at getting information for the board. Moreover, it facilitates the structuring of work by establishing board committees. Board members’ interest in a company and their involvement in its problems were also included in the set of determinants for board effectiveness by the respondents. Analysis of participant opinions and views received through the research also indicates the key importance of shareholders for board efficacy.