Beyond Shareholder Value: Normative Standards for Sustainable Corporate Governance

William & Mary Business Law Review, Vol. 1, pp. 47-82, 2010

36 Pages Posted: 29 May 2009 Last revised: 8 Apr 2010

See all articles by Robert Sprague

Robert Sprague

University of Wyoming - College of Business

Date Written: April 1, 2010

Abstract

This paper explores whether the modern corporate governance model is sustainable. For many, particularly large, corporations, there is a separation between ownership and management, with an emphasis by management on short-term gains at the expense of long-term sustainability. This paper explores the role of corporate directors, particularly vis-à-vis shareholders, from an interdisciplinary perspective, analyzing legal case law as well as legal, management, and finance literature. This paper then explores emerging trends in expanding notions of corporate governance that incorporate concerns beyond just shareholders, recognizing the interrelationship between business and society. It is suggested that in order to remain viable and competitive, corporations need to normalize longer views of sustainability that encompass numerous stakeholders, rather than simply trying to maximize profits during the current quarter.

Keywords: corporate governance, corporations, social corporate responsibility, sustainability, triple bottom line

Suggested Citation

Sprague, Robert, Beyond Shareholder Value: Normative Standards for Sustainable Corporate Governance (April 1, 2010). William & Mary Business Law Review, Vol. 1, pp. 47-82, 2010, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1411686

Robert Sprague (Contact Author)

University of Wyoming - College of Business ( email )

1000 E. University Avenue
Dept. 3275
Laramie, WY 82071
United States

HOME PAGE: http://www.uwyo.edu/mgtmkt/faculty-staff/faculty-pages/sprague.html

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