Corporate governance is the structure through which an organisation is directed, controlled and held accountable. It defines a framework of rights, responsibilities, procedures and relationships amongst the various stakeholders of an organisation, including its directors, managers, shareholders and regulators.

The board of directors – or equivalent governing body - is at the heart of any framework of corporate governance, and is arguably the most important mechanism for ensuring that the organisation makes effective decisions which are consistent with its ultimate objectives and mission.

What the section covers:

The corporate governance section of the website covers a range of issues that affect directors and those on the governing bodies of other types of organisation including:

(1) The relationship between directors and shareholders

(2) Governance of unlisted companies and public bodies

(3) Corporate responsibility and sustainability

(4) The role of the director and the board

(5) Corporate governance in Nigeria

(6) Corporate governance codes

(7) The Companies Act

(8) Risk management

European Corporate Governance Institute (ECGI)

The ECGI is an international scientific non-profit association. It provides a forum for debate and dialogue between academics, legislators and practitioners, focusing on major corporate governance issues and thereby promoting best practice.

International Corporate Governance Network (ICGN)

A membership association of company directors in Canada.

OECD Principles of Corporate Governance

A set of non-binding principles and guidelines developed by the Ad-Hoc Task Force on Corporate Governance, embodying the views of OECD Member countries.

The Corporate Library

Founded in 1999 by Nell Minow and Robert Monks, partners in Lens Investment Management and co-founders of Institutional Shareholders Services, the Corporate Library serves as a repository for research, study and discussion about the nature of the modern global corporation, with focus on corporate governance and the company management, their boards and shareowners.