Theme paper for global convention asks if corporate governance is stifling innovation

PETERBOROUGH, U.K. - Aug. 31, 2015 - PRLog -- A theme paper for the forthcoming 15^th London Global Convention on Governance and Sustainability raises a series of questions about contemporary approaches to corporate governance and their relevance to entrepreneurs, SMEs and the family businesses that are so important in many parts of the world: Is compliance with corporate governance codes inhibiting innovation, risk taking and diversity to address particular circumstances? To what extent should governance be general and standard as opposed to appropriate to the context?

Why is there so little innovation and variety in governance structures and practices? Why are so many boards adopting a standard model rather than thinking about government arrangements that are appropriate for the situation of a particular enterprise, its aspirations, opportunities and challenges and stage of development? Is the governance community a vested interest seeking codes, complexity and compliance because of the benefits they brings to them as suppliers of governance services? The theme paper raises a host of other questions. Do we need a revolution in corporate governance, a new model, different approaches for various situations, or is it just a question of a shift of emphasis?

The 15^th London Global Convention on Corporate Governance and Sustainability of the Institute of Directors, India will be held in London from 7^th to 9^th October 2015. Following a Global Business Meet at the House of Lords and a special session on the changing role of finance professionals in the boardroom at Chartered Accountants Hall on the first day, the conference element of the convention and the presentation of Golden Peacock Awards will be held at the Millennium Hotel in Grosvenor Square. The theme paper for the convention is available on http://www.iodonline.com/images/lgc2015/theme-paper.pdf and further details of the event are available from: http://www.iodonline.com/london-global-convention-2015.html.

The author of the theme paper and the book 'Developing Directors' Prof. Colin Coulson-Thomas is a member of the business school team at the University of Greenwich and Director-General, IOD India, UK and Europe Operations, holds board, public and academic appointments, and leads the OLJ International Governance Initiative. He has helped directors in over 40 countries to improve board and corporate performance. He has held professorial appointments in Europe, North and South America, the Middle East, India and China. Colin was educated at the LSE, London Business School, UNISA and the Universities of Aston, Chicago and Southern California, and is a fellow of seven chartered bodies. His recent books and reports can be obtained from www.policypublications.com.