Ethics, values and corporate governance

Abstract

In the context of the ongoing debate on corporate governance in India, this paper discusses the importance of ethics and values in corporate governance and underscores their importance in fulfilling the raison detre of the business enterprise, viz. delivering shareholder value. The paper examines the principal dimensions of corporate ethical conduct, particularly actions involving the less obvious conflict of interest problems, reasons for corporate deviance and concludes with a few suggestions to improve corporate ethical standards.