5.5.7 Top 3 explanations

Among the companies reviewed for the underlying study a clear top 3 of explanations for non-compliance with the applicable code provisions can be seen. As stated before (see also Annex II) 16 categories of explanations are distinguished. Table 5.5.7 below shows the top 3 explanations for non-compliance with code provisions per country over 3 years for the comparable code provisions of the five countries.

It is noticeable that the top 3 explanations constitute a very high percentage of the total explanations. The reasons for deviations are mostly, "having its own regulation" and "no compliance because of the sort/structure/character/interests of the company". Surprisingly and sadly the companies also often give "no reasons/explanation for non-compliance". In 2005 this category of explanation was given 67 times and in 2006 and 2007 both 52 times. This specific explanation is also analysed further below in combination with the specific deviations, in order to provide further recommendations on how to improve code compliance.