Towards social and ecological corporate governance

Research output: Types of ThesisDoctoral ThesisInternal

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Abstract

The call for the integration of social and ecological interests in Dutch corporate governance is growing. Multiple proposals have been put forward to achieve such integration, both in literature and in legislation. This study provides a theoretical framework capable of evaluating such proposals.

Dutch corporate law largely evolved in a dynamic between two theoretical perspectives of the corporation, viewing corporations either as partnerships or as institutions. This study distinguishes a third perspective, viewing corporations as ecosystems embedded in larger ecosystems. This third perspective allows for the introduction of new insights in Dutch corporate law from other fields of research, such as complex systems theory.

Based on this theoretical approach, this study proposes twelve specific recommendations for the integration of social and ecological interests in Dutch corporate governance. These recommendations include an integrated definition of success, a responsibility for the board to function as an ecosystem steward, and a responsibility for the supervisory board to function as an internal corporate conscience.
Original languageEnglish
Awarding Institution
  • Erasmus University Rotterdam
Supervisors/Advisors
  • Verbrugh, Maarten, Supervisor
  • Heilmann, Conrad, Supervisor
Award date8 Mar 2024
Place of PublicationDeventer
Publisher
Print ISBNs978 90 13 17437 3
Publication statusPublished - 8 Mar 2024

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