Shareholder and Stakeholder Theories. Understanding Corporate Governance Practice

Abstract

The aim of the paper is to further understand corporate governance by looking at Shareholder theory and Stakeholder theory to improve corporate governance practices in companies and to enable achieving set objectives. A conceptual approach of examining the concepts of corporate governance, shareholder theory and stakeholder theory, their similarities and differences for corporate governance purposes. Secondary sources and reviewed journal articles that discussed concepts were selected and used for the study through Content analysis and use of empirical evidence. The stakeholders’ theory has been proven to promote an inclusive system, that benefits stakeholders in any business or company in a globalised environment. Using both theories from a corporate governance perspective alone without consideration for other areas of the corporation is a limitation of study. Discussion of the theories contribute to understanding of corporate governance practice by corporations and the study will provide guidance for related research in the near future.