Within corporate governance the accountability of the board of directors is identified as a major issue by governments, international bodies, professional associations and academic literature. Boards are given significant power in companies, and as a consequence it is argued that they should be accountable for their actions. Drawing on political science, public administration, accounting, and ethics literature, this book examines the concept of accountability and its meaning in the corporate governance context. It examines the rationale for making boards accountable, and outlines the obstacles and drawbacks involved in providing for accountability.

The book goes on to examine how current mechanisms for ensuring accountability are assessed in terms of fairness, justice, transparency, practicality, effectiveness and efficiency, before discussing the ways that accountability might be improved. Andrew Keay argues that enhanced accountability can provide better corporate governance, helping to reduce the frequency and severity of financial crises, and improve confidence in company practice.

As an in depth study of a key element within the exercise of authority and management in corporate entities, this book will be of great use and interest to researchers and students of corporate governance, business and management, and corporate social responsibility.

About the Author
Andrew Keay is Professor of Corporate and Commercial Law at the University of Leeds, UK.

Reviews

"This title will be welcome to both lawyers and researchers for what it is as an in depth study of a key element within the exercise of authority and management in corporate entities- 'entities' being the current favourite word of the decade in this area of law. We consider that this book will be of great use and interest to all researchers and students of corporate governance, business and management, and corporate social responsibility as well as practitioners and those curious about the future shape of corporate governance as the 21st century unfolds."

- Phillip Taylor MBE and Elizabeth Taylor of Richmond Green Chambers

"This title will be welcome to both lawyers and researchers for what it is as an in depth study of a key element within the exercise of authority and management in corporate entities- 'entities' being the current favourite word of the decade in this area of law. We consider that this book will be of great use and interest to all researchers and students of corporate governance, business and management, and corporate social responsibility as well as practitioners and those curious about the future shape of corporate governance as the 21st century unfolds."

- Phillip Taylor MBE and Elizabeth Taylor of Richmond Green Chambers

Book Information
ISBN 9781138702127
Author Andrew Keay
Format Paperback
Page Count 296
Imprint Routledge
Publisher Taylor & Francis Ltd
Weight(grams) 453g