WordGarden.iodirectorship
A2Pronunciation
UK
- /daɪrˈɛktəʃˌɪp/
US
- /daɪˈrɛktərˌʃɪp/
Meanings
Noun
the position or period of service as a director, especially on an organization's board
Beyond the definition
A directorship refers to the formal position or office of being a director, most commonly within a corporation, a non-profit, or a government agency. Think of it as the specific "seat" or role someone holds on a board. It isn't just about general leadership; it represents a high-level responsibility to oversee strategy and protect the interests of stakeholders. You might be appointed to a directorship because of your expertise or long-term service. While the word usually describes the individual role, "the directorship" can also occasionally refer to the entire group of people in charge or the period of time someone holds that office.
The word "directorship" carries specific weight in professional and institutional settings, revolving around the formal office and tenure of a leader. Most commonly, it refers to a position on a company's board of directors. In this sense, holding a corporate directorship means you are responsible for overseeing the organization's business strategy and executive decisions. It is a role of governance rather than day-to-day management. For instance, a person might "accept a directorship" at a major bank, meaning they have joined the board.
In the arts, you may also see "directorship" used for the job or role of directing, as in "his directorship of the film," though "direction" is often used when you mean the work itself. In institutions, "directorship" commonly points to the office and the period someone leads. You might say, "Under her directorship, the gallery saw record attendance," referring to her time in charge.
In a collective sense, "the directorship" can describe the body of directors as a whole, similar to the word "directorate." If a news article states, "The directorship is facing pressure from shareholders," it refers to the entire group of board members.
Ultimately, whether you are discussing a seat on a corporate board or the head of a research institute, "directorship" signifies the prestige, responsibility, and legal standing of a high-level role guiding an organization.
Examples
- 1
Board appointment
After ten years with the company, she was offered a directorship on the board.
- 2
Family firm
He accepted a directorship at the family firm after leaving government service.
- 3
Conflict of interest
She resigned her directorship when the conflict of interest became public.
- 4
Multiple roles
Many senior professionals hold directorships in smaller companies alongside their main job.
See also
Similar
- director position
- board seat
- board membership
Shades of meaning
Contrast
- staff role
- shareholding
Used with (collocations)
- hold a directorship
- accept a directorship
- resign a directorship
- company directorship
Word family
Explore
- corporate governance
- fiduciary duty
Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- directorshipnoun
Forms
- directorshipspluralnoun