Colin Carter and Jay W. Lorsch have written an easily read book which is subtle, simple- yet profound. They tackle many of the myths, misconceptions and behaviours that have shaped traditional thinking about governance effectiveness. A particular strength of the book is its focus on the human side of corporate governance and the importance of interpersonal dynamics pivotal to effective board leadership.

We think this book is great and recommend buying it.

In this book, Garratt explores factors contributing to current global corporate governance difficulties. The book is structured in two parts. In Part 1, Garratt considers issues that result in many boards failing to meet the challenges facing them. This part concludes with a chapter reflecting on what the author describes as the ten directoral duties. Part 2, entitled 'Toward Board Performance' gives some more practical advice on dealing with a variety of boardroom challenges.

We found this to be a cogent analysis of the overall state of corporate governance written from a global perspective. Whilst not as practical as other books written by Bob Garratt, we recommend this book.

In this book John L. Ward focuses on the governance challenges facing family owned companies. He makes a compelling case for the development of a well-developed and constructed governing board that is able to assist a family retain ownership of its company. Step-by-step guidelines are provided for family members and 'outside' directors to develop and manage such a board. Ward also addresses sensitive issues such as estate planning and succession planning when family members are seen as unsuitable for employment in the business.

We found this a readable and beneficial book.

Well known for his work focussing on the not-for-profit sector, John Carver (in collaboration with Caroline Oliver) has explicitly written this book with the corporate (i.e. for-profit) sector. In it, Carver and Oliver remind readers that effective governance is not about more control but about effective delegation. A particular strength is the way the book handles the relationship between the board and the chief executive and the guidance it provides for boards wishing to be more effective in providing effective oversight of chief executive performance.

We suggest this is the most useful publication yet produced to explain the powerful board performance concepts John Carver has developed and how to use them.

We think 'The Complete Handbook of Business Meetings' is the best book we have come across on how to run effective meetings. It offers sound advice to those planning, chairing or particpating in board meetings - advice which applies to the many other types of meetings readers may be involved with. In particular we were impressed by his underlying emphasis on assisting readers to learn how to conduct meetings in a simpler, more user-friendly manner.

We strongly recommend this book to anyone wishing to contribute to meetings that are productive, inclusive and enjoyable.

Patrick Dunne has been involved in restructuring boards and in forming boards in major change situations. Whilst most business-culture references reflect his British experiences, Dunne undertook additional research in the U.S.

We found the arrangement of the book seemingly hazard. Even on the same page comment can swing from one boardroom practice to a completely different one. Similarly although many of cartoons were well chosen and a delight, the relevance of others was less apparent.

Although we found the book a 'hit and miss' affair , it does contain some interesting information and some sage advice.

Caroline Oliver and a group of practitioners of John Carver's Policy Governance ® principles have collaborated to produce this readable and eminently practical book. The authors, drawing on their experiences as consultants and CEOs, have written a Carver manual for ordinary readers. Beginning with an explanation of the philosophy underlining Policy Governance®, The Policy Governance Manual explores the various parts of the model with real-life examples and tips for implementation.

We recommend this book as being particularly relevant to those board which have adopted the Carver model of governance.

Styled as a "hands on" step-by step guide, this book is intended as a practical manual for to assist board in implementing John Carver's Policy Governance® model for governance. The book is divided into three parts, each addressing a different phase of implementation of that model. While the boo stands on its own, it is most useful as a companion to "Boards that Make a Difference", (Carver. J. 1990).

We recommend this book to readers especially if they are involved with boards that are seeking to develop their governance practices along Policy Governance® principles.