Archive · 6 Jan 2026
Indian Boards Need Strategic, Behavioral Improvements: Report
A new report from the Indian School of Business says that Indian company boards are doing well in some ways, but they need to do more.
Right now, most boards just check on what the company is doing, but they should help make big decisions too.
Only a small number of boards help shape the company's plans.
The report also says that many board members don't look for information from different places, which can make it hard for them to make good choices.
The report suggests that boards should work harder to ask tough questions and think about the future.
Indian corporate boards are structurally sound but need to address behavioral and strategic gaps.
Only 17% of boards actively shape company strategy, while 36% provide limited input.
27% of directors seek information from independent sources, creating potential echo chambers.
Audit committees are strong on financial vigilance but weak on whistleblower and behavioral issues.
The report calls for boards to move beyond compliance and become active stewards of long-term value.
- Who
- Indian corporate boards
- What
- Need to address behavioral and strategic gaps
- When
- Report released on January 6, 2026
- Where
- New Delhi
- Why
- To become future-ready and move beyond compliance
- Report Author
- Indian School of Business (ISB)
- Survey Sample
- 200 directors from BSE 500 companies
- Active Strategy Boards
- 17%
- Boards with Limited Input
- 36%
- Directors Using Independent Sources
- 27%
- Compliance Rate
- 98%
Sources
Indian corporate boards must address deeper behavioural, strategic gaps to be future-ready
Only 17% of boards play active role in shaping company strategy: ISB survey
Corporate boards need to play a more active role in shaping strategies: ISB study
