Boardroom Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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boardroom
[ˈbɔːrdrʊm ]
Definition
business meeting
A boardroom is a room where the board of directors of a company meets to discuss and make decisions on the organization's strategic direction and governance. Often furnished with a large table, chairs, and communication equipment, boardrooms are designed for formal discussions and presentations. The atmosphere is typically serious and professional, reflecting the importance of the meetings that take place within these walls. Boardrooms can also serve as venues for high-level negotiations, strategy sessions, and other business-related activities.
Synonyms
conference room, executive room, meeting room.
Examples of usage
- The company's annual meeting will be held in the boardroom.
- She presented the new marketing strategy in the boardroom.
- The boardroom was filled with tension as they discussed the merger.
- They gathered in the boardroom to finalize the quarterly results.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Historical Origins
- The term 'board' comes from the Old English word 'bord,' meaning 'a flat surface or table.'
- In the 18th century, companies began using boards of directors to oversee their operations.
- The first known usage of 'boardroom' appeared in print around the late 1800s.
Business Culture
- Boardrooms often symbolize power and decision-making within organizations.
- Modern boardrooms may include technology like video conferencing tools, allowing remote participation.
- Diversity in boardrooms is increasingly recognized as vital for better decision-making and creativity.
Architecture
- Typical design features of a boardroom include a long table, comfortable chairs, and audio-visual equipment.
- Lighting in a boardroom is important for creating a professional atmosphere, often with adjustable options.
- Some boardrooms are designed with glass walls to symbolize transparency in decision-making.
Pop Culture
- Boardrooms are commonly portrayed in movies and TV shows as the site of high-stakes negotiations or conflicts.
- The show 'The Apprentice' popularized the term by showcasing boardroom decisions in a competitive context.
- Many video games simulate boardroom scenarios where players must manage businesses or teams.
Psychology
- Meetings in a boardroom can create stress due to the pressure of making impactful decisions.
- Group dynamics play a significant role in how decisions are made in boardrooms, affecting participation levels.
- The atmosphere of a boardroom can influence creativity and problem-solving approaches among participants.
Origin of 'boardroom'
The word 'boardroom' combines the term 'board' which in this context refers to a group of people authorized to make decisions on behalf of an organization and 'room', indicating a physical space. The concept traces back to the early 19th century when formal meetings were established for company governance. The term reflects the structure of decision-making bodies in corporations, with the board traditionally comprising key stakeholders tasked with overseeing the organization's activities. With the rise of corporate governance in the 20th century, the boardroom became a symbol of power and authority within the business world, often depicted in media and culture as the setting for significant corporate decisions and strategic directions.