This research investigates the impact of multiple directorships, board
characteristics, and ownership structure among non-financial firms listed on the
Palestine Security Exchange (PSE) during the period from 2009 to 2016. Based
on panel data of 200 observations, the results show that multiple directorships
of board members, more especially independent directors, reduce the overall
effectiveness of the firms and lowers their performance. In contrast, results
show that board gender diversity and institutional ownership improve corporate
performance. The analysis was repeated by considering Tobin’s Q as a
dependent. This study is timely, given some unique justifications and
recommendations for limiting the practice of having excessive multiple
directorships because this practice distracts managers from adequately
performing their duties.