Best Practice in Corporate Governance

Introduction

An earlier book, A Strategic Approach to Corporate Governance (Gower, 1999), examined corporate governance from a philosophical and ''big picture'' standpoint. This book digs deeper and explores the operational issues around corporate governance, giving examples of good practice. It is a ''how to'' book, which focuses on processes and practical issues, making the case for corporate governance in terms of measurable business benefits and competitive advantage.

Key Themes

The author explores a number of key themes:

1. How corporate governance has expanded in scope and importance worldwide
2. How to engage with the wider range of stakeholders whose support is essential for success in a competitive world
3. How to distribute power to those who need to use it to perform effectively at all levels in the organisation
4. How to encourage the behaviours needed to effect good governance
5. How to embed best practice in the daily routine of the organisation
6. How to adapt best practice to meet the needs of different organisations
7. How effective corporate governance can build sustainable business success
8. How corporate governance may evolve to meet the needs of the future

Conclusion

Corporate governance should address the needs of people seeking to cooperate effectively in a shared endeavour. It should be adopted, not imposed and Adrian Davies provides an eloquent and authoritative guide to this process.