8.9 Future research

This dissertation research study provides several points of departure for future (empirical) research. I made some suggestions throughout my dissertation. I mention a few here.

Firstly, boardroom dynamics in the Netherlands merits more scholarly attention. Scientific research on this subject is in its infancy. Interesting questions to consider are whether there is a large difference between one-tier boards and two-tier boards and what the best approach is to change boardroom behaviour, given the specific characteristics of the boardroom.

Secondly, it is worthwhile addressing in more detail the impact of biases on judicial decisions through qualitative and quantitative empirical research. While many empirical research studies have been conducted into biases that affect opinion formation, empirical research specifically pertaining to the impact of biases on judicial decisions is still limited. In this dissertation I have tried to provide an overview of this impact, but I do not postulate that it is equivalent to an empirical research study into the impact of biases on judicial decisions. A similar study can be conducted into the impact of biases on judgment and decision-making by directors and members of the SB. This research study can be conducted through transposition of the same methods used in other studies on the impact of biases but applied specifically to judges.

Thirdly, it is recommended to initiate general scientific research in which mathematical models are developed to apply the Dynamical Systems Theory to the multi- person BoD and SB in the Netherlands. To my knowledge, such analyses have not yet been carried out. This research can, for example, be conducted by behavioural scientists in collaboration with neuroscientists. This type of research is complex, and the results are not clear beforehand, one reason being that the distillation of exact components is difficult because through emergence new components may be formed as well. Furthermore, BoDs and SBs differ considerably, which means that not much can be said beforehand about the predictive factor of the models. When developing models to map a system, there is always feedback when the model is put into the world. At that point, the model is not just an isolated theoretical model but is also imbedded in the real world, resulting in more interaction and greater unpredictability. Still, I think that eventually patterns can be discovered in the behaviour and working methods of BoDs and SBs, which can teach us more about this behaviour and working method.

In conclusion, I would like to call for an empirical research study into implicit gender bias at the top of Dutch corporations and the persons concerned therewith, such as recruiters. Such research can ultimately also contribute to more equal treatment of men and women in general. This research study could, for example, be conducted by psychologists in collaboration with cognition philosophers.