PricewaterhouseCoopers has published a booklet - The Board Agenda: Good Practices for Meeting Market Expectations

PricewaterhouseCoopers has published a booklet - The Board Agenda: Good Practices for Meeting Market Expectations - which sets out the basic good governance practices increasingly expected by international investors. PwC says that, although business cultures differ around the world, consensus is beginning to emerge on what good practices are:

Board structure -

  • a working partnership between the board and executive management
  • a strong independent element
  • board size small enough for effective decision-making
  • international experience on the board, where relevant

    Conduct of board meetings -

  • the chairman ensures full discussion n decisions are made on a consensus basis
  • meetings are held regularly
  • adequate time and information is given to preparing for meetings

    Strategy and planning -

  • reviewing and challenging management’s strategic options
  • thinking sufficiently widely when reviewing strategy proposals
  • taking steps to reduce risks in planning mergers or acquisitions

    Transparency and disclosure

  • understanding the information demands of shareholders and others
  • publishing a balanced commentary on the operating and financial results
  • appointing an audit committee to take board level responsibility for financial reporting
  • taking responsibility for all published financial information.