Theory and Practice of Corporate Governance: An Integrated Approach

Description

Theory and Practice of Corporate Governance explains how the real world of corporate governance works. It offers new definitions of governance and new conceptual models for investigating governance and corporate behaviour, based on both practical experience and academic investigation. In examining the historical development of corporate governance, it integrates issues of company law, regulatory practice and company administration with contemporary corporate governance policies and structures. An extensive range of international examples, both recent and historical, is used to compare theoretical explanations of governance behaviour with practical outcomes. This book will be particularly suitable for students taking an ICSA-accredited course - giving a necessary critical view on governance, law and regulation - and will also be suitable for accountancy courses. Through utilising new conceptual models, it will stimulate debate among both theorists and practitioners looking to develop their expertise.

Stephen Bloomfield leads the Corporate Governance Unit at Anglia Ruskin University. He is a Visiting Fellow in Corporate Governance at Kingston University and London South Bank University and prior to his academic career, he was a stockbroking analyst and then a director of a major venture capital fund. He has been a director of numerous venture capital funded companies and is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators.

'This critical and thought-provoking analysis of the theory and practice of corporate governance should be required reading for every board director, regulator, MBA student, as well as professionals. Indeed, it should perhaps be read by everyone who has an interest in why our current governance system seems, to many people, no longer fit for purpose and, as the author suggests, in need of a total rethink.' Nick Gould, Collyer Bristow LLP 'The current crisis, like so many crises before it, has shown what capitalism will do when the regulation of corporations only seeks to support market activities rather than to promote progressive social outcomes. The complicated regulatory system which has developed in response to the many crises unleashed (paradoxically) by the deregulation of corporate activities has made the subject of corporate governance one of immense breadth. This accessible book illustrates much of this breadth. Stephen Bloomfield argues that despite the many disciplines encompassed in this topic, it remains grounded in outdated models of the corporation. His call for a fundamental re-examination of corporate governance is one that must surely concern all scholars, policy makers and practitioners in this area.' Lorraine Talbot, Warwick University 'An intelligent examination of Britain's flawed system of corporate governance, equally rigorous in diagnosis and prescription.' Philip Augar, author of Reckless: The Rise and Fall of the City 'This book brings together major themes that have a distinct bearing on world capital markets and in academia. Contemporary issues are well discussed and explained in light of the impact and quality of corporate governance. Additionally, the themes covered have particular benefits for students of corporate governance and research. Various topics are identified and explained through theoretical and empirical examples. The theoretical perspectives, coupled with great thinkers of the modern age, are well presented.' Yousuf Khan, London South Bank University '... a very valuable and impressive work.' Nick Parmee, Editor, Executive Compensation Briefing