Keeping Good Company: A Study of Corporate Governance in Five Countries - Softcover

Charkham, J.P.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0198289871 ISBN 13: 9780198289876

Publisher: Oxford Paperbacks, 1995

Synopsis

It matters to all of us that companies should be governed effectively. The prosperity of many of those associated with the company - whether directly as managers and employers, or indirectly as shareholders, suppliers, and customers - depends on it. In a broader context, how companies are run is a significant factor in the competitiveness of national economies as studies of Japanese management, for example, show. In this fiercely competitive world, we cannot judge our own system of corporate governance in isolation; it must bear comparison with the best. This book aims to do just that. In turn, the author describes the system of corporate governance - both the business environment and the particular structures of company organization - in five major industrial countries: Germany, Japan, France, the USA, and the UK. The book establishes two basic principles of good corporate governance: first, that management must have the freedom to drive the enterprise forward; and secondly that it must exercise this freedom within a framework of effective accountability. Charkham shows how these principles are applied in each country - indicating where methods vary, and that most countries fall short of the ideal. In addition, the author highlights the UK's strengths and weaknesses and calls for a thorough overhaul of current theory and practice.

About this title

Review:

"This book will become the definitive study on corporate governance. It should be required reading for directors and senior managers around the world." -- Jay W. Lorsch, Harvard Business School

"superb overview of the leading industrialised countries" financial systems" -- Will Hutton, Guardian

`This book will become the definitive study on corporate governance. It should be required reading for directors and senior managers around the world.' -- Jay W. Lorsch, Harvard Business School

`superb overview of the leading industrialised countries' financial systems' -- Will Hutton, Guardian

`the most comprehensive study to emerge to date. It will become an indispensable reference book for all future authors and report writers, not least for its clear and dryly witty writing ... his book is uniquely well informed ... ' -- Economic Affairs

`the most comprehensive study to emerge to date. It will become an indispensable reference book for all future authors and report writers, not least for its clear and dryly witty writing ...' -- Economic Affairs

About the Author:

Jonathan Charkham was formerly adviser to the Governor of the Bank of England. He has served on many committees on corporate governance, including the National Health Service and Housing Associations (U.K.) He is a director of several public companies, including Great Universal Stores PLC.

About this edition

• Publisher: Oxford Paperbacks
• Publication date: 1995
• ISBN 10: 0198289871
• ISBN 13: 9780198289876
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 408