Session 9: Corporate Finance: Financing and Control Issues Reading 30: Corporate Governance
LOS a, (Part 2): Discuss the objectives and the core attributes of an effective corporate governance system, and evaluate whether a company’s corporate governance has those attributes.
In a presentation to a group of students in an Executive MBA class, Professor Steven Dawes tells the class that corporate governance systems will tend to differ based on the legal environment, culture an industry in which a firm operates, however, all corporate governance systems share certain common attributes. Dawes continues on to make two statements:
Statement 1: |
All corporate governance systems will define the rights of shareholders and other important stakeholders.
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Statement 2: |
All corporate governance systems should be implemented by individuals with no potential conflicts of interest with company management or shareholders. |
Which of Dawes’ statements are consistent with the core attributes of an effective corporate governance system?
A) |
Statement 1 is inconsistent, but Statement 2 is consistent. | |
B) |
Both Statement 1 and Statement 2 are consistent. | |
C) |
Statement 1 is consistent, Statement 2 is inconsistent. | |
All effective corporate governance systems share the following attributes:
- Define the rights of shareholders and other important stakeholders.
- Clearly identify manager and director governance responsibilities to stakeholders.
- Provide clear and measurable accountability for managers and directors in assuming their responsibilities.
- Provide for fair and equitable treatment in all dealings between managers, directors, and shareholders.
- Have complete transparency and accuracy in disclosures regarding operations, performance, risk, and financial position.
Dawes’ first statement is consistent with these attributes; however, his second statement is not.
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