Corporate Governance is a much used phrase, one that is bandied about usually when things go wrong and forgotten once things improve. But what does it mean? The biggest mistake is when shareholders and board members believe that corporate governance is about oversight. Although this is a crucial role, it is not the primary role. In fact, too much control and oversight kills a business. The true primary role is building the business, which includes taking and managing risk, a view that is in opposition to regional thinking. At the opposite end of too much oversight is no oversight, which unfortunately tends to be the other approach taken by board members. Physical attendance can be rare and even then mental attendance is not always guaranteed.
Author Archives: Sabah al-Binali
Introducing Sabah al-Binali's Musings
I’d like to welcome you to Sabah al-Binali’s Musings. Over the years I have learnt much from mentors, friends and colleagues. The greatest lessons nearly always involved developing a new way to look at the issues. These were the lessons that I could apply repeatedly in my career to great success. Earlier this year I decided to try and give back to the business community in my own way, by passing on what has worked for me. This took the form of a weekly column at The National, a respected newspaper with a great editorial staff that have been extremely supportive.