Boards of directors and performance in autonomous public sector entities

The adoption of business-like boards directors in the public sector has to be evaluated terms financial and non-financial outcomes. This paper investigates, using a structural equation model, relationship certain board characteristics with performance English NHS foundation trusts. Larger more independent do not harm performance. Having woman chairing is related better service quality. Boards seem concerned about quality issues than problems.IMPACTA stakeholder approach when adopting entities does authors’ results provide compelling rationale for corporate governance mechanisms improving representativeness status women top positions governing bodies entities. Financial are mutually exclusive healthcare sector. provides insights those that have adopted, or thinking adopting, improve their management.