The ‘Oppression’ of Governance?

Abstract

This book is focused upon the governance of firms in Asia. It is a concept that must be extended to include all forms of ‘venturing’ since co-joining firms seem to create conflicts between ‘us and them’ even if operating in one’s home nation, and more so if co-joining with a firm from abroad. However, we must say that we use the term ‘governance’ in this book to reflect those values developed ‘at home’ by governments that will be cascaded to their indigenous firms and institutions. We do not take a limiting view of ‘governance’ being entirely a function of corporations — though the interface between the public who lose much through poor ‘corporate’ governance has focused attention more on this aspect in recent months. We note various drivers over recent years, such as ‘globalization’ that has been a theme on the tongues of many managers. This is emphasized by the World Trade Organization (WTO) which stresses the transition from a national to a global economy in many Asian countries, most notably in China. Thus, it is prudent and timely to consider the nature of ‘governance’ — and its good and bad aspects — to aid our understanding of what may constitute ‘better’ joint governance in multinational firms.