Differing perceptions of non-executive directors’ roles in privately owned United Kingdom small and medium-sized enterprises

Abstract

This thesis explores differences in the role of non-executive directors (NEDs) in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs): between the literature and SME practice and between the perceptions of SME NEDs and their managing directors (MDs). The explanation of these differences contributes to a richer understanding of the development of NED role trust in UK SMEs, identified as a gap in our understanding. Extending earlier research by Berry and Perren, the thesis makes a contribution to knowledge by developing a theory to explore and explain the temporal and contextual nature of the dyadic relationship between NEDs and MDs in SMEs.

Date of Award	Jan 2010
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	University of Brighton