Corporate governance is a vital and all-encompassing topic, and the modern corporation is one of the most ingenious concepts ever devised. Most corporations aim to add value to society, and they very often do; some, however, are exploiting, polluting, poisoning and impoverishing us, which can create a depressed reputation for business. A lot depends on the commitment, direction and aims of a corporation's founders, shareholders, boards, management and employees. Do they show commitment to all stakeholders and to long-term shareholders, or mainly to short-term shareholders? There are many variations on the structure of corporations and boards within each country and between countries.
