The ethics of corporate governance

Abstract

PurposeThe principles, regulations and directives associated with corporate governance constitute a view of the role, responsibilities and obligations of corporations within a given society. Identifying the ethics of a specific corporate governance regime entails making explicit the moral responsibilities and obligations of corporations in society as well as the ethical values associated with these responsibilities and obligations. In order to make meaningful global comparisons between the ethics of corporate governance regimes, a number of vital distinctions need to be made. The purpose of this paper is to introduce and discuss three such distinctions.Design/methodology/approachConceptual clarifications and distinctions are considered with regard to three pairs of related concepts: the ethics of governance and the governance of ethics; external and internal corporate governance; and shareholder and stakeholder orientations in corporate governance.FindingsThe conceptual distinctions that have been considered are vital for making useful comparisons between the ethics of different corporate governance regimes around the world. Neglecting these conceptual distinctions can lead to misunderstanding and confusion in the global discourse on the ethics of corporate governance.Practical implicationsThe paper provides a theoretical framework for comparing four regional perspectives on the ethics of governance, namely from Africa, Asia, Continental Europe and North America. It also provides a framework for any other global comparative study on the ethics of corporate governance.Originality/valueThe paper provides a conceptual framework for making global comparisons with regard to the ethical underpinnings of corporate governance regimes. It thus assists in creating a framework for a global discourse on the ethics of corporate governance.