Written in a practical and succinct style, Putting Investors First is indispensable for board members and the corporate executives who work with them and of compelling interest to large and small investors who have lost faith in our system of corporate governance.
Demands on the boards of directors of public companies throughout the nation are more acute than ever, and scrutiny is at new highs. There is a critical need for new insights and fresh approaches as corporate America addresses a real crisis in governance.
Effective solutions are unlikely to come from increased government regulation, which is all too easily honored to the letter of the law while being effectively sidestepped in spirit. For example, companies like Enron, WorldCom, and Tyco, at the time of their catastrophic falls, would have received good grades for compliance with myriad guidelines subsequently passed to prevent similar debacles.
Authors Newquist and Russell show clearly that the solutions need to come from within boards, by adherence to key cornerstones of good governance like duty of care, duty of loyalty, and a proactive intent to protect shareholders. Stressing a principles-based approach, the book outlines concrete procedures that enable accountability, transparency, performance measurement, and strong checks and balances. This insightful, highly readable book is a call to action and provides a plan to meet a modern board’s challenges.
1. The Crisis in Investor Confidence
2. The Alignment of Interests
3. How Options Work
4. The Share Price Game
5. How to Spot When the Game Is in Play
6. The Balance of Power
7. The Measure of a Board
8. Principles of Good Governance
Notes
Index
About Scott Newquist and Max B. Russell
Scott C. Newquist is cofounder of Board Governance Services, a consulting firm to corporate directors, and Advisory Capital Partners, Inc., which works with both large and small companies to provide financial, strategic, and organizational advisory services.
Max B. Russell is a principal in Arc Group Ltd., a corporate communications firm, and a professional business writer.
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