04 March 2015
Abu Dhabi - Around one third of the world's businesses have boards of directors who disagree on their company's central mission, vision and strategy, according to leadership expert Prof.Dr. Andrew Kakabadse. During a talk on "Global Benchmarks in Corporate Governance", he challenged delegates to consider the value that each company's board brings, and explained how improved governance practices can prompt more directors to voice concerns over key business decisions.

Dr.Kakabadse, one of the world's Top 50 Business Thinkers, was speaking at a Business Breakfast event hosted by Abu Dhabi University Knowledge Group (ADUKG) at the Park Rotana Hotel, Abu Dhabi. His wide-ranging talk covered critical regional topics - such as the central role of a company's Chairman, the relative effectiveness of Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives, and boardroom diversity issues. He also investigated the responsibilities of non-executive directors, and demonstrated how some countries have been successful at balancing corporate regulation with a focus on company culture and mentoring.

His comments were based on his own major global study of boardroom effectiveness and corporate governance practices. The research covers around 12,500 private and public organisations from 21 countries, and over 5,000 boardrooms across 14 countries. Through detailed research into organisations in countries such as Japan, China, and the U.S., as well as the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Oman, he has helped to identify critical elements that produce sustained success through exemplary leadership.

"Dr.Kakabadse is a world-renowned authority on leadership and corporate governance, a subject that has become a real talking point in the Middle East region. We are delighted to be able to develop this conversation further by sharing his experience and expertise with the UAE's business community," said Dr. Ahmad Badr, CEO of ADUKG.

Dr.Kakabadse is Professor of Governance and Leadership at Henley Business School. He previously spent more than 30 years at Cranfield School of Management, Cranfield University, where he was awarded the honour of Emeritus Professor. He has consulted and lectured around the world, and has published 39 books and more than 230 academic articles. 

Professionals from a wide range of industries from across the UAE attended the complimentary event.

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About Abu Dhabi University Knowledge Group
Abu Dhabi University Knowledge Group (ADUKG) was established in 2006 to support the training and development needs of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). It offers customised solutions to clients in both the public and private sector across Consulting, Coaching, Training & Development, Outsourcing, Research, and Events & Conferences. To date, ADUKG has supported the professional development of more than 70,000 individuals, and has worked with many of the UAE's most important government organisations and businesses. It has a global network of over 400 associates, and is partnered with a range of the world's most respected training and development companies.

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Omnia Hassan
Email: omnia.hassan@adu.ac.ae
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Adam Lane
Email: adam.lane@adu.ac.ae
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Mob: +971 (0) 56 652 4913

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