Advocates of each type of board structure identify their main advantages as: in a one-tier system, there is a closer relationship and better information flow as all directors, both executive and non-executive, are on the same single board; in a dual system, there is a more distinct and formal separation between the supervisory body and those being ‘supervised’, because of the separate management board and supervisory board structures. These aspects are discussed further in Chapter 10. However, whether the structure is unitary or dual, many codes seem to have a common approach to areas relating to the function of boards and key board committees, to independence, and to the consideration of shareholder and shareholder rights.