The Human Face of Corporate Governance [Hardcover]

Lynn McGregor (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0333772059 | ISBN-13: 978-0333772058 | Publication Date: December 8, 2000

Corporate governance has become a crucial issue for many companies and organizations. Much has been written on the formal systems, but Lynn McGregor uncovers the human element, examining personal and interpersonal governance. Using vivid cases and examples, she provides guidance and checklists for both individuals and companies and raises key questions about the governance role of companies.

Editorial Reviews

From the Inside Flap

Corporate governance has become a crucial issue for all companies and organizations. Much has been written on the formal system but McGregor uncovers the human element by examining personal and interpersonal governance and presents an ethical and practical challenge to established ideas about corporate governance.

The author argues for the importance of the human face of corporate governance based upon her considerable experience as a consultant and mentor at main and executive board level. Using vivid cases and examples, she provides guidelines and checklists for both individuals and companies and raises key questions about the governance role of companies.

About the Author

Lynn McGregor is an independent consultant working with Chief Executives and Boards and providing analysis and training on issues associated with Corporate Governance.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 226 pages
• Publisher: Palgrave Macmillan (December 8, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0333772059
• ISBN-13: 978-0333772058
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.1 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,299,280 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Preventing the Enrons of this world, July 9, 2002

By 

Robin Shohet (Scotland) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Human Face of Corporate Governance (Hardcover)

After the Enron and WorldCom disasters, I reread the "Human Face of Corporate Governance " and started to wonder why people know well in advance that things are going wrong, but don't want to take responsibility for what they know. If the principles and practices in this book were more available! (and if Lynn McGregor were applying these), I think that this would have helped to prevent this and similar disasters.

The chapter on the shadow side should be compulsory reading.
It "deals with those aspects of human nature that cause unnecessary suffering to others. It is based on the assumption that much harm is done unconsciously. It is also based on the assumption that every one has feet of clay, and has the potential for creating harm to others. However, if there were greater understanding, some people might be able to avoid certain mistakes, or at least limit any damage" - America, take note.

The book is divided into four parts, humanizing the meaning of governance, personal governance, interpersonal governance and the human face of formal roles. As the book indicates, to do this properly takes time, courage, willingness to learn and commitment. The main point about it is to show that attention paid to human aspects of corporate governance more than repays the initial energy and investment put into it.

What she does is outline the significance of individual values and style and ways in which power can be both used and misused. Her four levels of governance, starts with the personal and makes personal responsibility as important as competence. The book highlights the importance of integrity and why the quality of relationships is essential for good decision-making. Her practical examples and guidelines provide a sound basis for understanding dynamics between people and how good practice can be developed in many ways. The section on Intergroup governance points out that governance is a process involving many different groups, all of whom are interconnected and as we know from recent events, all have a part to play in creating or destroying wealth.

The chapter outlining the formal roles of Chairman, CEO, non-executive and executive directors moves away from purely structural solutions to executing responsibilities with integrity, intelligence, rigour, wisdom and creativity.

I strongly recommend this book

Robin Shohet, co-author "Supervision in the Helping Professions" OU Press 2000

5.0 out of 5 stars Revealing What Lies at the Core of Governance, February 16, 2011

By 

K. K. Ray "Kastuv Ray" - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Human Face of Corporate Governance (Hardcover)

Corporate Governance is not solely about structures and regimes - it is about the people in the positions. This book explores the human psyche and applies it to the art that is corporate governance. A good book for anyone looking to reform corporate governance in the world.

5.0 out of 5 stars Unique Perspective, January 21, 2003

By 

James Mcritchie "Publisher" (Elk Grove, CA USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Human Face of Corporate Governance (Hardcover)

Most corporate governance books take the approach of an attorney or business professor looking a systems. Lynn McGregor comes at it from the perspective of a psychologist or trusted advisor to better enable CEOs and board members to start by first looking within the self. It is certainly a fresh approach, one I haven't encountered elsewhere.

The book moves modestly to demonstrate how personal governance and different leadership styles can influence improvements in corporate governance. McGregoor offers a model for understanding how corporate decisions are made, how group decisions can be improved and discusses the "shadow" side of corporate governance to help us guard against destruction. Clear examples, individualized exercises and a good sense of humor help the reader on the road to establishing humane, yet competitive companies. McGregor offers a unique perspective based on years as a successful board mentor and consultant - a welcome addition to any library.