Investopedia

Continue to Site »

Classified Board

Filed Under » , ,
Dictionary Says

Definition of 'Classified Board'

A structure for a board of directors in which a portion of the directors serve for different term lengths, depending on their particular classification. Under a classified system, directors serve terms usually lasting between one and eight years; longer terms are often awarded to more senior board positions (i.e. chairman of the corporate governance committee).

Classified boards are often referred to as "staggered boards", although staggered boards and classified boards have somewhat different structures. Staggered boards need not be classified, but classified boards are inherently staggered.
Investopedia Says

Investopedia explains 'Classified Board'

The classified board structure features continuity of direction and preservation of skill, but has come under harsh criticism from shareholder advocacy groups for a number of reasons. Opponents to the classified structure argue that the system breeds board member complacency and forces directors to develop close relations with management.

Classified boards also serve as a powerful anti-takeover measure.

Articles Of Interest

  1.

    Governance Pays

    Learn about how the way a company keeps its management in check can affect the bottom line.

  2. The Basics Of Corporate Structure

    CEOs, CFOs, presidents and vice presidents: learn how to tell the difference.

  3. Putting Management Under The Microscope

    We tell you where to find the telltale signs of corporate misdeeds.

  4. What is a staggered board?

    A staggered board of directors (also known as a classified board) is a board that is made up of different classes of directors. Usually, there are three classes, with each class serving for a ...

  5. Earnings Guidance: Can It Accurately Predict The Future?

    Explore the controversies surrounding companies commenting on their forward-looking expectations.

  6. Mergers And Acquisitions: Understanding Takeovers

    In the dramatic world of M&As, battleground terms meld with bizarre metaphors to form the language of the game.

  7. The Path To Becoming A CEO

    Think you have what it takes to be chief executive? Find out what those at the top have in common.

  8. Wall Street’s Glass Ceiling

    It’s tough to boast that there are more female CEOs than ever before when they make up only 4.2% of the total.

  9. Is Lululemon's Chief Product Officer to Blame For Sheer Debacle?

    Lululemon announced April 3 that Chief Product Officer Sheree Waterson was leaving the company as of April 15. Assigning blame might appease the board, but it shouldn't do anything for investors.

  10. Schulze Plus Joly Equals Success?

    Best Buy founder Richard Schulze announced March 25 that he was dropping his bid for the company and rejoining the board as Chairman Emeritus. Two other former board members are rejoining as ...
comments powered by Disqus
Marketplace
Hot Definitions

  1. Validation Period

    The amount of time necessary for the premium on an insurance policy to cover the commissions, the cost of investigation, medical exams and other expenses associated with the issuance of the policy.

  2. Winner's Curse

    Because of incomplete information, emotions or any other number of factors regarding the item being auctioned, bidders can have a difficult time determining the item's intrinsic value. As a result, the largest overestimation of an item's value ends up winning the auction.

  3. Glocalization

    A combination of the words "globalization" and "localization" used to describe a product or service that is developed and distributed globally, but is also fashioned to accommodate the user or consumer in a local market.

  4. Disaster Loss

    A special type of tax-deductible loss, similar to a casualty loss, where a loss has been incurred by taxpayers who reside in an area that has been designated as a federal disaster area by the President.

  5. Fool In The Shower

    The notion that changes or policies designed to alter the course of the economy should be done slowly, rather than all at once.

  6. Pattern Day Trader

    An SEC designation for traders who trade the same security four or more times per day (buys and sells) over a five-day period, and for whom same-day trades make up at least 6% of their activity for that period.
Trading Center