The One-Tier Board (IVOR nr. 85) 2012/2.1.1:2.1.1 General characteristics

The One-Tier Board (IVOR nr. 85) 2012/2.1.1

2.1.1 General characteristics

Deze functie is alleen te gebruiken als je bent ingelogd.Deze functie is alleen te gebruiken als je bent ingelogd.Deze functie is alleen te gebruiken als je bent ingelogd.

Some key features of British corporate culture are:

a.

Informal regulations work

Island mentality; change without revolution; centralised society; peer control; "good spons" and fair play; "club membership"; importance of media and publicity; belief that informal self-regulation works better than formal laws.

b.

Owners ' power

Respect for ownership; belief that persons act in their own interests (e.g. Adam Smith); company law based on partnership.

c.

Strategic thinking

Respect for history and tradition; broad education; early exposure to and faith in analytical thinking; good eye for strategy; skilled in dialogue, debate and listening; competitive; prepared to accept a small loss; flexible in meetings; articulate; society of classes and sense of class; Industrial Revolution; socially-minded groups (e.g. Quakers).

d.

Sometimes long-term, sometimes short-term

Tolerant; idea that work can and should be fun; endeavour to be team players because the British realize the importance of results; realization that, in a team, leadership must come from one person who is captain at that time; no heroes; leaders are replaceable; the tradition of making money by trading.

After a brief outline of the history of company law in the UK, I will explain how these key concepts have influenced British corporate culture. In doing so, I will be writing as a Dutchman who has worked with English lawyers for many years, also in committees and boards of the International Bar Association. I have checked my views with many experienced British commentators.

Dutch and English history have been closely intertwined over the centuries. These nations have been Olies and enemies from time to time. They were fierce competitors in trading and in establishing colonies abroad. They fought five sea wars with each other, but they also had close personal ties. Prince William of Orange, the Dutch Stadhouder (stadtholder) William III married the daughter of King James II, Mary Stuart, and became King William III of England with the Glorious Revolution.1 In later days, founders and directors of Shell and Unilever from both nations have often had family connections across the borders of both nations.

Deze functie is alleen te gebruiken als je bent ingelogd.