5 Types of Diversity Often Overlooked: Don't just focus on filling quotas.

Some lawmakers, regulators and shareholders are actively encouraging boards to recruit diverse candidates by setting quotas for diverse hires; and California's recently passed law mandating gender diversity is just the most recent example.

But are such moves really helping companies in desperate need of new and unique voices in the boardroom? While increasing gender diversity on boards is of critical importance, the use of quotas and mandates may not necessarily achieve intended goals.

The newly appointed women could be from the same industry, the same area, be of similar age, have attended the same schools and be of the same political affiliation as the other board...