size of board for new small start up company

[Guest John]

We are starting a new small business, to be governed by a "Board of Directors"

I wanted to know if there is a minimum or maximum or optimal number,

is there a benefit or preference to having an even or odd number.

[jstackpo]

RONR doesn't offer any optimal size suggestions.  Perhaps some website dealing with business matters might.  When you get your board in place be sure to give them all copies of RONRIB:

"Roberts Rules of Order Newly Revised In Brief", Updated Second Edition (Da Capo Press, Perseus Books Group, 2011). It is a splendid summary of all the rules you will really need in all but the most exceptional situations. And only $7.50! You can read it in an evening. Get both RONRIB and RONR (scroll down) at this link. Or in your local bookstore.

 

Odd/even number makes no difference  --  don't forget, a tie vote is a defeat for the motion being voted on.  And with an odd numbered board, one abstainer leaves you with an even number of voters anyway.

[Rev Ed]

Well, I would go with a minimum of at least two people for one thing you would have a President/Chairman and a Secretary who are the minimum officers required by RONR, but also means that one person is not making a decision.  Although three members would likely be the minimum, especially if you want a Treasurer to deal with money.

 

Other then that, you can have as few or as many Board members as you want, and it does not matter if there are an even or odd number of directors.

[Edgar Guest]

 . . . especially if you want a Treasurer to deal with money.

 

Although the treasurer need not be a member of the board.

[Dan Honemann]

Since this is a business entity, I suspect there will be some applicable law concerning the number of directors required.