An integrated framework for the governance of companies

Cases of insolvencies, losses and internal frauds have been increasing of late. As a result, the question is asked more and more often whether such cases could have been avoided with better governance of companies or a clearer organisational handbook. In the this article, Ulrich Anders explains what constitutes good governance, and how such an organisational handbook could be incorporated into an integrated governance framework.

When companies file for insolvency, record heavy losses, carry out large-scale value adjustments, or make the headlines following cases of internal fraud, one question is immediately asked: Have these companies been managed properly? And could such problems have been avoided with better governance and clearer internal rules?

One of the reactions to this development is the design and publication of corporate governance codes in many countries. These codes contain supporting principles and