What is a potential risk if independence is compromised?

• A. Increased investor confidence.
• B. Reduced oversight of management.
• C. Greater transparency in board processes.
• D. Higher likelihood of conflicts of interest influencing key decisions.

Answer: (D)

Independence on the board is what allows directors to assess management and strategy without being swayed by personal interests or relationships. When that independence is compromised, the most direct risk is that conflicts of interest begin to influence key decisions. Directors may favor their own interests, those of close associates, or external parties over the company and its shareholders, leading to biased choices in areas like related-party transactions, executive pay, hiring, and strategic direction. This undermines fiduciary duties of loyalty and care and can erode trust in governance. While a loss of independence can also weaken oversight or transparency in practice, the clearest and most direct consequence is the increased likelihood that decisions are driven by conflicts of interest rather than the company’s best interests.