A Handbook of Corporate Governance and Social Responsibility

Corporate governance has gained tremendous importance in recent years. Two of the main reasons for this upsurge in interest are the economic liberalization and deregulation of industry and business and, second, demand for new corporate ethos and stricter compliance with the law of the land. One more factor that has been responsible for the sudden exposure of the corporate sector to a new paradigm for corporate governance that is in tune with the changing times in the demand for greater accountability of companies to their shareholders and customers. Corporate governance is concerned with creating a balance between the economic and social goals of a company including such aspects as the efficient use of resources, accountability in the use of its power, and the behaviour of the corporation in its social environment. The definition and measurement of good corporate governance is still subject to debate. However, good corporate governance will address such points as creating sustainable value, achieving the firm's goals and keeping a balance between economic and social benefit. Also of course good governance offers some long term benefits for a firm, such as reducing risk and attracting new investors, shareholders and more equity.The Gower Handbook of Corporate Governance and Social Responsibility is the most authoritative single-volume guide to the relationship between good governance and social responsibility and the reality of managing both. In addition to the theory and practice of governance and CSR, the book includes case studies from large and small organizations and NGOs.