The determinants and consequences of board multiple directorships

Purpose This systematic literature review investigates the phenomenon of board multiple directorships and its implications for corporate governance and organisational performance. Design/methodology/approach The study adopts a systematic approach, which involves identifying and analysing relevant research papers on board multiple directorships. This study synthesises the latest research findings to gain insights into the determinants and consequences of multiple directorships. The sample literature was collected from the Scopus database from year 2000 till 2023. Findings The review reveals several key findings. Firstly, multiple directorships have both positive and negative implications for corporate governance. They can bring value by providing directors access to valuable information and resources from different companies, enhancing board functions and improving firm performance. However, there is a concern that overworked directors may not effectively fulfil their fiduciary responsibilities on any board, compromising their monitoring abilities. Originality/value This study contributes to the existing body of knowledge by comprehensively reviewing multiple board directorships research and their impact on organisations. This study synthesises the latest research findings and offers valuable insights into the determinants and consequences of this practice. Also, this study highlights the need for effective corporate governance practices that balance multiple directorships’ benefits and potential drawbacks. The study also identifies research themes and suggests potential areas for future research, contributing to the advancement of understanding in board multiple directorships.