Thesis (LL.M.). / Written for the Faculty of Law. Title from title page of PDF (viewed 2008/05/13). Includes bibliographical references.

This research offers the perceptions of independent non-executive directors (INEDs) in Thailand of their roles and the way they cope with constraints such as family-concentrated ownership structures and asymmetric information problems. There has been scant prior research in this area. The researcher applied qualitative research techniques to understand what was in the interviewees’ minds. The semi-structured interview was employed because it allowed some flexibility while also providing some guidelines. The fieldwork data reveals that interviewed INEDs were aware of a board’s control role which, in theory, can be realised by nominating and remunerating top management; however, in practice they had no authority to do so due to the family-concentrated ownership of Thai firms. Ensuring compliance with laws and regulations was the actual controlling activity which they undertook. Another role perceived was a service role concerned with giving advice and counsel to management. Although the interviewees rarely got involved with planning and directing, they contributed their expertise to the board. Their service function also helped them to better fulfil a control role because an INED’s service role builds his credibility in the eyes of management. This allows them to gain access to better information about a company – a critical input of a control role. Therefore, a good relationship between executives and non-executives is an essential factor for INED’s effectiveness. i A proportion of outside directors on the board and a director’s independent background were not considered guarantees of board independence. Only an INED’s independence of mind matters. Such independence can be exercised by resigning in order to send a signal to the market and protect minority shareholders. The competencies and personal characteristics of INEDs and their motivations are other elements contributing to their effectiveness.

A research report submitted to the faculty of management, University of the Witwatersrand, in 25% fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Management (in the field of Public and Development Management). / This research examines the existence and the degree of compliance and adherence to corporate governance processes and practices in the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC). Its purpose was to examine whether the SABC as an institution has any corporate governance standards, and if those standards exist, whether they are adhered to, and the role of management in advancing or hindering organisational effectiveness. This research followed an interpretative social science approach. The approach adopted by the study is a qualitative approach. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews using purposive sampling. Three critical findings emerged from the study. First, that the SABC does have the right corporate governance internal systems, but fails to comply with them. Secondly, there is lack of effective leadership and stability in the SABC. The continuous change of senior strategic managers, with six Chief Executive Officers and four different boards of directors within the period of five years that the research focuses on has been detrimental to the institution’s stability. Thirdly, the nature of the relationship between the SABC and the government has compromised the organization. Based on the findings, the conclusions of this study are that the SABC leadership and management have failed to apply proper corporate governance standards, due to the weak leadership structure, and in some cases due to external factors such as the influence of government in the operations of the organization. The prevailing current situation has impacted on the effective implementation of corporate governance. The study recommends that the organization reviews its corporate governance practices and commit to acceptable corporate governance standards. / GR2018

The primary purpose of this study was to establish on whether South African taxpayers have an in-depth understanding of taxation. In particular, an understanding on the requirements on taxation on companies and directors in relation to normal tax, secondary tax on companies and lastly, piercing of any possible veil. The population was from the North-West Province with particular inclination to the Mafikeng area. Sixty nine respondents participated in the study after random selection. The questionnaire was the primary instrument of data collection for this study. The data was presented in tables and graphs and analysed using the F-Tests and T-Tests. The responses of directors of companies as opposed to non-directors were what one could safely term unsurprising in that it was, so to speak, what was ordinarily expected; that is, the responses showed that directors had more knowledge regarding tax matter than non-directors. This could be attributed the farmer's everyday exposure tax matters. Stemming from this, it is recommended that a lot of education needs to be done on the part of non-directors in order to familiarise them with tax-related issues. Further, it is recommended that the language used in the tax field be made more accessible so that any taxpayer could understand it. / (MBA) North-West University, Mafikeng Campus, 2005

This study investigates the effects of corporate monitoring mechanisms on firm performance and their substitution and complementary effects under different conditions of agency conflict. / Thesis (PhD)--University of South Australia, 2008

The financial /economic crisis in 1997 brought to the foreground weak corporate governance structures and practices in Malaysia. Allegations of cronyism, inequitable transaction, lack of transparency and weak enforcement were amongst the many weaknesses highlighted. These led to the poor perception of the Malaysian capital market. Malaysia joined in the global corporate governance reform movement and corporate governance reforms were carried out to rectify the weaknesses highlighted. The Malaysian Code on Corporate Governance (Malaysian Code) was launched in 2000. This study briefly traced the corporate governance reforms in Malaysia which was very much influenced by the Anglo-American model. / To provide a better appreciation of the corporate governance mechanism, this study examined the concept of corporate governance and its origin, the existence of the four governance models in the world today and the different market characteristics with their different institutional and corporate context. / The thrust of the corporate governance reform movement in Malaysia was to increase transparency and corporate disclosure, improve accountability and responsibility of the board and to promote shareholder activism. One of the key recommendations from the Anglo-American model adopted by the Malaysian Code, to improve transparency and accountability, was to have a sufficient number of independent non-executive directors on the board. Arguments that supported the importance and the roles of independent non-executive directors as a control mechanism and their contribution towards better governance and financial performance were presented. The study also discussed the equally strong arguments and evidence against independent non-executive directors as an effective control mechanism. / Another key player identified by the Malaysian Code to enhance good corporate conduct was the company secretary. This study examined the roles that these independent non-executive directors and company secretaries were expected to play in the Malaysian context and the issues related to these two key players as internal enforcers for good governance practices. / Though these two players were expected to play key roles in enhancing good corporate conduct in the corporate governance reforms in Malaysia, as far as is known, their perspectives have not been widely researched or compiled in the Malaysian context. This study aimed to provide some insights into the views and opinions of these two important groups of people. A sample of independent non-executive directors and company secretaries were selected for interviews with the aid of two different sets of standard questionnaires, one for each group. The questionnaires were designed to seek their response on a few key issues on corporate governance practices in Malaysia. Their standpoints were compiled, quoted and presented in this study. Both groups have been found to agree that independent non-executive directors have a role to play and are important to enhance good corporate conduct. Factors that contributed or inhibited their effectiveness were discussed and the divergent views on certain issues within each group or between the two groups were presented. Their views on how corporate governance practices can be further improved in Malaysia were also presented. / Thesis (DBA(DoctorateofBusinessAdministration))--University of South Australia, 2005.

This study investigates the effects of corporate monitoring mechanisms on firm performance and their substitution and complementary effects under different conditions of agency conflict. / Thesis (PhD)--University of South Australia, 2008

This study investigates the effects of corporate monitoring mechanisms on firm performance and their substitution and complementary effects under different conditions of agency conflict. / Thesis (PhD)--University of South Australia, 2008

Thesis (Ph.D.). / Written for the Desautels Faculty of Management. Title from title page of PDF (viewed 2008/02/12). Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (MBus) - Faculty of Business and Enterprise, Swinburne University of Technology, 2006. / This thesis is submitted in fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Business in the Faculty of Business and Enterprise, Swinburne University of Technology - 2006. Typescript. Includes bibliographical references (p. 113-125).