There is no "one-size-fits-all" approach to corporate governance. Different governance models, laws and regulations exist in different countries. Furthermore, each company is unique and needs to develop its governance framework in a way which works best for it.

With the above in mind, this document is general enough to cover a wide range of businesses and companies. It aims to help identify good corporate governance practices that may fit a company, focuses primarily on the Anglo-Saxon unitary board model.

Contents

1. Corporate Governance: Context and key definitions
-Context
-Key definitions
-Corporate governance vs corporate management

2. Corporate Governance: Key milestones and diversity
•  Key modern corporate governance milestones
•  A historical overview of corporate governance in the USA
•  The continuing diversity of corporate governance

3. Corporate Governance: Key stakeholders
•  Corporate governance stakeholders
•  Primary parties to corporate relations
•  The principle agent dilemma

4. SME Governance: Key elements, levels and benefits
•  Five elements of good corporate governance
•  Core values of corporate governance
•  Common issues of private family-owned companies
•  Levels and benefits of good corporate governance

5. SME Governance: Good governance by element and development stage
•  Five elements of good corporate governance with key governance topics
•  The governance evolution of SMEs
•  Commitment to corporate governance
•  Decision making and strategic oversight
•  Risk governance and internal controls
•  Disclosure and transparency
•  Shareholders' rights