International Financial Strategies Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

International Financial Strategies - Essay Example The paper tells that the concept of corporate governance has undergone tremendous changes since its origin. Management always pays attention to update their corporate governance strategy in accordance with the needs of the time. The corporate governance policy also maintains the relationship between the stakeholders and the objectives of the organization. Top level managers always focus on the impact of their corporate governance strategy on economic efficiency in addition to a strong emphasis on shareholder values. Since a series of corporate failures in 2001 were attributed to accounting fraud, today organizations focus on internal check policies while formulating their corporate governance strategy. Likewise, corporate scandals of various forms during the last decade attainted public and political interest, which greatly contributed to the strict regulation of corporate governance. However, it seems that corporate governance principles always give emphasis to the rights and privil eges of shareholders. In addition, the principles of corporate governance clearly point out the role and responsibilities of the board, firm’s integrity and ethical behavior, and concerns of disclosure and transparency. The main point of difference in corporate difference between the United Kingdom and the United States is that in the UK, the CEO generally does not hold the chairmanship of the board whereas, in the US, the CEO also serves as the Chairman of Board. Corporate governance in the UK In the opinion of Roberts (2011), the balance of power between the board of directors and the general meeting primarily constitutes corporate governance of a UK company. Generally, the term â€Å"governance† is used to refer to principles mentioned in the UK Corporate Governance Code. As cited in Harbottle and Lewis (2010), the UK Corporate Governance Code 2010 is a set of corporate governance principles which aim the improved performance of the listed companies on the London St ock Exchange. Financial Service Authority’s Listing Rules demand the public listed companies disclose how they have abided by the proposed code and explain where and why they have ignored the rule. Private companies are also encouraged to follow these corporate governance guidelines even though it is not a compulsory requirement in private firm accounts.