The Corporate Governance chapter explains that the board of directors is elected by shareholders to oversee management and protect the interests of the organization and its owners. In this role, the board serves as the intermediary between shareholders and management. The manual distinguishes the board’s oversight role from management’s operational role. Management is responsible for directing employees, planning and implementing business activities, and managing day-to-day performance, whereas the board provides independent oversight, strategic direction, and accountability. Shareholders elect the board, not the other way around. Because of this separation of responsibilities, the option describing the board as serving as the intermediary between shareholders and management is the correct one. This reflects the board’s core position within the corporate governance structure described in the manual.