In The End of Shareholder Value , Allan Kennedy shines the spotlight on a new revolution in business-as customers, employees, political and social leaders, and governing boards begin to challenge the cozy relationship between executives and investors that has crippled companies in the name of maximizing shareholder value. Analyzing both historical and current material, he explores the colorful history of corporations since the turn of the century, evolving from engines of innovation to machines driven by short-term financial gains. From GE to the hottest new Web-based start-up, those companies that subscribe to the shareholder value ethic cannot be sustained and will, inevitably, be replaced by those who figure out how to create and share wealth with all their important constituencies. Provocative and wide-ranging, The End of Shareholder Value showcases progressive experiments in the public and private sectors, outlines new roles and responsibilities for all participants, and challenges everyone to rethink the purpose of business in the new millennium.

An in-depth look at the trouble with shareholder value thinking and at better options for models of corporate purpose. Executives, investors, and the business press routinely chant the mantra that corporations are required to “maximize shareholder value.” In this pathbreaking book, renowned corporate expert Lynn Stout debunks the myth that corporate law mandates shareholder primacy. Stout shows how shareholder value thinking endangers not only investors but the rest of us as well, leading managers to focus myopically on short-term earnings; discouraging investment and innovation; harming employees, customers, and communities; and causing companies to indulge in reckless, sociopathic, and irresponsible behaviors. And she looks at new models of corporate purpose that better serve the needs of investors, corporations, and society. “A must-read for managers, directors, and policymakers interested in getting America back in the business of creating real value for the long term.” —Constance E. Bagley, professor, Yale School of Management; president, Academy of Legal Studies in Business; and author of Managers and the Legal Environment and Winning Legally “A compelling call for radically changing the way business is done... The Shareholder Value Myth powerfully demonstrates both the dangers of the shareholder value rule and the falseness of its alleged legal necessity.” —Joel Bakan, professor, The University of British Columbia, and author of the book and film The Corporation “Lynn Stout has a keen mind, a sharp pen, and an unbending sense of fearlessness. Her book is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the root causes of the current financial calamity.” —Jack Willoughby, senior editor, Barron’s “Lynn Stout offers a new vision of good corporate governance that serves investors, firms, and the American economy.” —Judy Samuelson, executive director, Business and Society Program, The Aspen Institute

Economist, consultant, and Wall Street Journal contributor Alfred Rappaport provides managers and investors with the practical tools and tests for a corporate strategy that creates shareholder value. The ultimate test of corporate strategy, the only reliable measure, is whether it creates economic value for shareholders. After a decade of downsizings frequently blamed on shareholder value decision making, this book presents a new and indepth assessment of the rationale for shareholder value. Further, Rappaport presents provocative new insights on shareholder value applications to: (1) business planning, (2) performance evaluation, (3) executive compensation, (4) mergers and acquisitions, (5) interpreting stock market signals, and (6) organizational implementation. Readers will be particularly interested in Rappaport's answers to three management performance evaluation questions: (1) What is the most appropriate measure of performance? (2) What is the most appropriate target level of performance? and (3) How should rewards be linked to performance? Through the lens of high-stakes case studies, like the notable acquisition of Duracell International by Gillette, Rappaport dissects the intricate decisions and risks inherent in the merger and acquisition process. The shareholder value approach presented here has been widely embraced by publicly traded as well as privately held companies worldwide. Brilliant and incisive, this is the one book that should be required reading for managers and investors who want to stay on the cutting edge of success in a highly competitive global economy.

In The End of Shareholder Value , Allan Kennedy shines the spotlight on a new revolution in business-as customers, employees, political and social leaders, and governing boards begin to challenge the cozy relationship between executives and investors that has crippled companies in the name of maximizing shareholder value. Analyzing both historical and current material, he explores the colorful history of corporations since the turn of the century, evolving from engines of innovation to machines driven by short-term financial gains. From GE to the hottest new Web-based start-up, those companies that subscribe to the shareholder value ethic cannot be sustained and will, inevitably, be replaced by those who figure out how to create and share wealth with all their important constituencies. Provocative and wide-ranging, The End of Shareholder Value showcases progressive experiments in the public and private sectors, outlines new roles and responsibilities for all participants, and challenges everyone to rethink the purpose of business in the new millennium.

The emerging field of corporate law, corporate governance and sustainability is one of the most dynamic and significant areas of law and policy in light of the convergence of environmental, social and economic crises that we face as a global society. Understanding the impact of the corporation on society and realizing its potential for contributing to sustainability is vital for the future of humanity. This Handbook comprehensively assesses the state-of-the-art in this field through in-depth discussion of sustainability-related problems, numerous case studies on regulatory responses implemented by jurisdictions around the world, and analyses of predominant strategies and potential drivers of change. This Handbook will be an essential reference for scholars, students, practitioners, policymakers, and general readers interested in how corporate law and governance have exacerbated global society's most pressing challenges, and how reforms to these fields can help us resolve those challenges and achieve sustainability.

This insightful Research Handbook contributes to the theoretical and practical understanding of corporate purpose and personhood, which has become the central debate of corporate law. It provides cutting-edge thoughts on the role of corporations in society and the nature of their rights and responsibilities.

As a business leader, you’re constantly looking for ways to maximize shareholder value—as quickly as possible. The Executive Guide to Boosting Cash Flow and Shareholder Value outlines a practical, effective, and innovative framework for achieving this goal, using established management tools to find and exploit high-value Profit Pools. With this book as your guide, you’ll quickly discover how to unlock large untapped sources of cash flow, and achieve the mandate that comes with modern business leadership.