In addition, board members have a responsibility to educate themselves about the company's operations and plans and to seek advice of external experts, when and as appropriate.
Although they are supposed to, board members almost never ask for advice. 
mnli hypothesis: Although they are supposed to, board members almost never ask for advice.  premise: In addition, board members have a responsibility to educate themselves about the company's operations and plans and to seek advice of external experts, when and as appropriate.