The Unaccountable & Ungovernable Corporation

The Unaccountable & Ungovernable Corporation is a comprehensive exploration of the corporation as a major vehicle of business activity worldwide. It continually incurs social costs and generates benefits, raising questions about whether it still provides a net benefit to society. The last decade of corporate sagas and the roles of accounting and auditing provide evidence that a serious rethink is needed about how commerce is pursued and whether the current corporate form has passed its use-by-date.

The authors, including internationally renowned accounting scholars, argue that the two major governance tools of accounting and auditing require significant overhauls. They begin by analysing the global sweep of deregulation that corporations have experienced since 2000. The discussion then moves to the various scandals and crises of the period, leading to further calls for deregulation. After thoroughly assessing the status quo, the authors provide urgent recommendations for reforms intended to reconnect the corporation with the real world and restore its purpose.

This book is essential reading for students and academics in accounting, business, law, and finance, particularly for those studying at more advanced undergraduate and postgraduate levels.