Corporate Governance in a Nordic Setting

Corporate Governance in a Nordic Setting focuses on the historical, cultural and political development of the Swedish corporate governance code and model. It explores the definition and interpretations of corporate governance, including the Cadbury Report and OECD definitions, and specifically discusses powerful institutions that shaped its tradition over time. It further outlines the distinguishing features of the Nordic and Swedish corporate governance models, including taxation, ownership structures, corporate culture, and leadership styles.

Emphasis is placed on the role of corporate governance in achieving a sustainable society, arguing for the importance of integrating financial, social and environmental perspectives at the corporate governance level. The chapters discuss a broad spectrum of topics including corporate ownership structures, agency conflicts, board diversity, employee representation on corporate boards, sustainability governance, and corporate governance in times of crisis, providing insights into Nordic and Swedish corporate governance and highlighting their unique characteristics and implications for businesses and society.

Peter Beusch is Assistant Professor in the Department of Business Administration at the University of Gothenburg, specializing in management accounting and control. His research today focuses on the connection of this discipline to sustainability in general and circular economy more specifically. Peter Beusch collaborates internationally and has published in peer-reviewed journals and books. He is course director and teacher for management accounting and management control courses at both undergraduate and post-graduate levels, where he also involves and fosters connections with external partners.

Kristina Jonäll, PhD, is a senior lecturer at the department of Business Administration, School of Business, Economics and Law, University of Gothenburg. She teaches on most academic levels in financial accounting. Her research is primarily in the areas of accounting communication with focus on integration of biodiversity in decision-making related to accounting, reporting, and risk management in industry and the financial system.

Svetlana (Lana) Sabelfeld, PhD, is a researcher and lecturer at Gothenburg Research Institute, University of Gothenburg, and conducts research on sustainability accounting regulation and practice, integrated reporting, governance, and communication. Her interdisciplinary studies have been published in Accounting Forum, Accounting, Auditing & Accountability Journal and Meditary Accountancy Research. She is currently a member of the Editorial Advisory Board in Accounting, Auditing & Accountability Journal, and a member of Executive Faculty program at School of Business, Economics and Law in Gothenburg, where she engages in knowledge exchange with Swedish industries.