5 - Governance and Corporations Flashcards
what are some responsibilities of the board of a company
- monitoring performance of CEO
- overseeing strategy
- monitoring risks and control systems
- monitoring human capital
- effective comms with stakeholders
- developing corporate social responsibilities
characteristics of the board
- independent = companys interests above own
- objective = bias free
- sceptical = question info provided
- resourceful = innovative leadership
when do shareholders get involved
when decisions are at a very high level
shareholders = most important stakeholders
what is the UK structure of corporate governance
single or unitary board
mix of executive or non executive directors
what is a supervisory board
- workers and stakeholder management reps
- elected by shareholders
- responsible for safeguarding stakeholder interests
- advises and appoints management board
how is a management board made up
- entirely managers
- membership of two boards is mutually exclusive
advantages of two tier board approach (supervisory and management)
- separation of power
- strong implicit shareholder involvement
- stakeholder involvement
- more independent thinking
- empowered managers
problems with two tier board approach (supervisory and management)
- dilution of power, confusion over rules/decision making
- extra bureaucracy = slower decisions
- board remote from business
- confusion over who has actual authority
- lack of transparency
advantages of single board approach
- non executive director (NED) brings expertise
- neds are empowered = more active
- better decision making
- reduced fraud and malpractice
- higher investor confidence
what are the rules listed on the stock exchange regarding corporate governance
companies must include:
- statement of how the company applies the uk corporate governance code
- statement whether they have complied with all relevant provisions set out in code
in their annual report
what is the concept ‘comply or explain’
instances of non compliance should be disclosed and explained in the financial statements to satisfy stock market rules
who decides whether the non compliance is satisfactory or not
the shareholders
what do listed companies have to do in regards to the ‘UK corporate governance code’
- a narrative statement = how they applied principles
- statement = whether they complied throughout accounting period, and specify why they havent in some cases
what is the purpose of the board leadership
- promote long term sustainable success
- generate value for shareholders
- contribute to wider society
- establish company’s purpose, values, strategies
what is the people structure of the board
- NEDs make up half the board
- chairman
- deputy chairman
- CEO
- senior independent directors
jobs of the board
- establish effective controls to manage risk
- ensure necessary resources in place
- ensure engagement with stakeholders
- ensure policies in line with values and success
- establish formal, transparent policies
- present fair assessment of companys position
how should responsibilities be divided/owned in terms of from the top
role of chairman and CEO should be separated to prevent one person having all the power
difference in the roles between the chairman and CEO
CEO = responsible for the day to day runnings
chairman = leads the board, heads overall effectiveness, independent on appointment, leads constructive board relations and effective comms
how should the board be structured holistically
- appropriate combo of NEDs and EDs
- clear division in responsibilities
executive director roles
day to day management decisions