This module takes a systems approach to corporate governance. It examines at an institutional level the culture, context and compliance to global and regional governance best practice and the benefits thereof.

The module examines the key contemporary factors that are challenging boards of directors and the options for dealing with them to help create sustainable organisations that have a positive impact on shareholder and wider stakeholder groups.

You’ll be asked to critically analyse the implications for organisations of governance ‘grand challenges’ – specifically related to:

• risk
• ethics
• social and environmental impact
• options for quantifying impact, sustainability, and globalisation

Learning outcomes

a. subject specific knowledge and skills

1. Develop an understanding of the issues that organisations face when designing a corporate governance system
2. Critique the tools, principles and practices use to measure adherence to governance standards both externally mandated and internally agreed
3. Discuss the characteristics and role of governance in the life of an organisation, and the impact of governance philosophy/ approach on organisational culture, performance, ethics & sustainability
4. Critique an organisation’s governance approach relative to expectations and measures particularly related to environmental and social impact
5. Critically analyse the standards, codes and measures that ensure boards and senior leaders are performing effectively

b. cognitive abilities and non-subject specific skills

1. To develop group-working skills
2. To understand the key theoretical underpinning of governance
3. To develop practical competence in the application of frameworks to the organisational contex