Glossary of Terms
Agency Theory: A theory in corporate governance that examines the conflicts of interest between the principals (shareholders) and agents (managers). It emphasizes the need for mechanisms to align the interests of managers with those of shareholders.
Board of Directors: A group of individuals elected by shareholders to oversee the management of a company. The board is responsible for setting strategic goals, ensuring accountability, and protecting shareholders' interests.
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR): The responsibility of companies to contribute positively to society beyond profit-making. CSR activities include ethical business practices, environmental sustainability, and community engagement.
Diversity: In corporate governance, diversity refers to the inclusion of individuals from various backgrounds, including gender, ethnicity, age, and professional experience, on the board of directors and in senior management roles.
Ethical Leadership: The practice of leading by example in upholding ethical standards and promoting a culture of integrity within an organization.
Governance Codes: Guidelines and best practices developed by regulatory bodies and industry associations to promote good corporate governance. Examples include the UK Corporate Governance Code and the Indian SEBI Listing Regulations.
Independent Director: A member of the board of directors who does not have any material relationship with the company other than their directorship. Independent directors are crucial for ensuring unbiased decision-making and protecting minority shareholders' interests.
Institutional Investors: Organizations such as mutual funds, pension funds, and insurance companies that invest large amounts of capital in companies. They play a significant role in corporate governance through their influence and voting power.
Stakeholder Theory: A theory in corporate governance that considers the interests of all stakeholders, including employees, customers, suppliers, and the community, in addition to shareholders.
Transparency: The principle of providing clear, accurate, and timely information to stakeholders. Transparency is essential for building trust and ensuring accountability in corporate governance.