Boards, directors & committees · Core
Board of directors
Also called: board
ELI5
The governing body responsible for oversight, major decisions and duties assigned by law or governing documents.
Used in conversation
“Counsel wants board of directors clarified before anyone signs.”
Pitch context
You will see “Board of directors” in board papers, contracts, policies, risk registers and compliance reports when the discussion reaches boards, directors & committees.
Why it matters: In boards, directors & committees, a loose definition can change rights, obligations, approval, disclosure or enforceability.
Caution
Meaning, enforceability and required process vary by jurisdiction and agreement; this definition is not legal advice.
Connected terms
- Advisory boardA board of directors has formal governance authority and duties; an advisory board gives advice without the same statutory decision power.
Sources & evidence · 3
Direct term-level sources and supporting source families.
- OECD — G20/OECD Principles of Corporate Governance 2023Direct source · institutional · checked 2026-08-16
- U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission — EDGAR and filing resourcesSupporting source family · primary · checked 2026-08-16
- National Institute of Standards and Technology — Computer Security Resource Center GlossarySupporting source family · primary · checked 2026-08-16