10 Focus: Corporate Governance and Development - An Update

This updated Focus seeks to explain the links between economic development and corporate governance, based on experiences in many countries, sectors, and business organisations (from state-owned enterprises to publicly listed companies). It draws on new evidence that has become available since the Focus 1: Corporate Governance and Development was published in 2003.

The authors have sifted through scores of academic studies to determine what matters most in how corporate governance can support economic development and what is needed to get the job done in implementing good practices. As the authors explain at the outset, the market-based investment process is even more important today to most economies than when this study was first published in 2003.

Financial deregulation and liberalisation of both trade and capital markets have removed many barriers within and across countries, allowing firms to pursue business opportunities worldwide, supported by availability of accessibly priced capital. As a result, the global market for financial capital, labour, goods, and services is now an ever-present reality of commerce and trade in the 21st century ... READ MORE

The Update includes:

  • What is Corporate Governance, and why is it receiving more attention?
  • The link between Corporate Governance and other foundations of development
  • How does Corporate Governance matter for growth and development?
  • Corporate governance reform
  • Areas for future research

Released by International Finance Corporation - World Bank Permissions Desk - 2012