Corporate governance, ownership and sustainability

Abstract

The main finding of this article is that sustainability and the broader concept of social responsibility imply a change in the spirit of governance, which promotes the so-called ’de facto convergence’ between the different corporate governance systems existing all over the world. Substantial corporate governance convergence suggests that different countries may have different companies’ ownership structure, rules and institutions but the corporate boards may still be able to perform common goals, with attention to similar key performance indicators, such as ensuring fair disclosure or accountability. Companies that perform better with regard to the triple bottom line can increase shareholder value contributing, at the same time, to the sustainable development of the societies in which they operate.