'Davies provides an excellent introduction and outline of why corporate governance is important and how to implement it. This book is useful for anyone new to corporate governance. It is also an excellent guidebook for leaders who wish to incorporate corporate governance into their companies. It could be used in a business library or academic setting.' Business Information Alert 'The author's deep knowledge of strategic planning is used to create synergy with the introduction and embedding of corporate governance principles (as opposed to rules) within organisations which could aid with integration of corporate governance within the thinking and ethos. These links are used throughout the book with case studies drawn from the private sector ranging from big corporates to entrepreneurs and family run enterprises. Unsurprisingly the enthusiasm for corporate governance is often lacking in the latter although Davies' finds good examples of best practice. He charts a logical route for implementing Corporate Governance, which will always, for some, be a defence mechanism - unless they are like the pertinent examples in the book, leaders with a conviction, even a passion for the subject. This represents a significant addition to the literature on Corporate Governance.' Dr Clive Morton, OBE, Director Board Performance Ltd and Professor of Corporate Governance, Middlesex University Business School. 'This is a first-class book by a first-rate author. Adrian Davies writes on the subject of corporate governance with authority, clarity and readability. The use of contemporary examples and case studies to illustrate and discuss the many aspects and ingredients of this subject is particularly welcome. This is a book that deserves to be read by all those with an interest in raising business standards.' Professor Graham Beaver Editor, The Journal of Strategic Change, Fellow of the Centre for SMEs, Warwick Business School 'Andrew Davies' book is a practical guide to compliance which begins by comparing corporate governance to rearranging deck chairs on the Titanic. Davies argues that corporate governance reforms have led to an increase in rules and box-ticking, but a failure to change attitudes and corporate cultures. It is in the context of examining the human dimensions of corporate governance that Davies book explores the history of governance, of what constituents it is made - stakeholders, directors, government, communities, etc. - and the relationship between them, and the purpose of corporate governance and the different ways it can be achieved. In a field with more than its fair share of verbosity and seemingly wilful attempts to confuse the reader, Davies is refreshingly direct and lucid. He covers an impressive amount of ground in an engaging style, clearly illustrating his points with case studies from the business world, as well as venturing further afield into anthropology, German literature and the Bible. Also of interest is his look at the future of governance, and his pessimistic assertion that: "Greed and fear are the basic motivators of mankind," and, "It seems unlikely that corporate governance will ever change human nature." However, it is in the nature of such books that aspects of what they discuss will be superseded by current events, as in the author's discussion of, and hopes for, the operating and financial review, abolished by the government even before Best Practice in Corporate Governance's publication.' Manifest, March 2006 'Ever wanted to know about corporate governance but were afraid to ask? Well, this book, written by management consultant Adrian Davies, might be your guiding light. ..this book is most welcome in a climate of momentous and continuous change int the business world.' Accounting Technician June 2006 'The book will fill the need of people seeking to cooperate effectively in a shared Endeavour and should be adopted, not imposed and Adrian Davies provides an eloquent and authoritative guide to this process.' Educational Book Review (India)
