Hello! It’s that time of year again when all I ever want to do in our conversation on this blog is to share some of the lessons for the year, encourage corporate leaders and boards on how to take charge of the ending year, and prepare for the coming year. However, today, I want to steer this article in a different direction. I firmly believe that as we approach the end of 2023, it’s an opportunity to reflect on the remarkable year it has been in the world of corporate governance. We’ve witnessed a plethora of opportunities, crises, and landmark events that have reshaped the landscape of corporate governance, both globally and in Nigeria. To this end, I want to share what we found interesting about the year as a society and a few trends you should watch out for in the coming year.
A Year of Resilience
It wouldn’t be wrong to say that this year has been quite the rollercoaster. We’ve witnessed the continued impact of the global crises, the explosion of Artificial Intelligence, the rise of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) investing, and a slew of other challenges that have shaken the corporate world. Amidst all this uncertainty, many organizations have demonstrated remarkable resilience. Boards of directors have stepped up to navigate complex regulatory environments, while investors have become increasingly vocal in demanding responsible business practices. This year has highlighted the importance of strong corporate governance as a foundation for long-term success.
In a recent example, more than 730 employees of OpenAI signed a letter saying they may quit and join the then-former CEO, Sam Altman at Microsoft unless the startup’s board resigns and reappoints the ousted CEO. This incident serves as a stark reminder to directors that employees are major stakeholders in the governance structure of an organization. They are affected by the decisions made at the top, and their voices matter. Once more, the board’s decision to reinstate Sam as CEO was a bold move, showing that employees have more say in managerial decisions than we think. It’s a lesson for all organizations: listen to your employees, and they will listen to you.
Emerging Opportunities for Corporate Governance
It is also worth mentioning that 2023 has had a surge of promising opportunities for corporate governance. The growing emphasis on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles has driven a wave of sustainable investment practices and corporate initiatives. Similarly, the rise of technology has impacted corporate governance processes, enhancing transparency, efficiency, and stakeholder engagement. Digital tools and platforms have facilitated board communication, shareholder engagement, and risk management, fostering a more inclusive and responsive corporate governance ecosystem. Given these advancements, one of the trends we should anticipate in the coming years is artificial intelligence (AI) Transformation and other technological innovations to optimize and strengthen governance.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Corporate Governance
Moving forward, I strongly believe that corporate governance will continue to evolve in response to the dynamic and ever-changing business environment. This is why organizations must be willing to follow and embrace the trends to stay ahead of the curve, or else they’ll quickly become uncompetitive. Consequently, here are some key trends boards need to watch in the coming year:
- Increased focus on stakeholder capitalism: The concept of stakeholder capitalism, which emphasizes the importance of considering the interests of all stakeholders, continues to gain traction. Corporate boards are expanding their focus beyond shareholders to include employees, customers, suppliers, and the communities in which they operate. As I have argued in previous blog posts this year, the future of corporate governance lies in the hands of organizations that have come to understand that corporate governance should now capture the interests of every stakeholder. Organizations should no longer view corporate governance as solely about maintaining the entity’s operations without considering the interests of its employees, the public, and even the government. Instead, every activity aimed at facilitating governance should be approached in a mutually beneficial manner. All stakeholders must feel their impact, know that they are valued, and understand how their contributions are essential to the organization’s success. This shift in perspective is crucial for organizations to navigate the complexities of the modern corporate landscape. By embracing stakeholder capitalism, organizations can build a more sustainable and equitable future for all.
- Enhanced board diversity: Recalling our March article on the need for equity in the boardroom, I firmly believe that boardroom equity will gain even greater traction in the years to come. This is because more corporate leaders are recognising the widely acknowledged importance of board diversity and the enhanced decision-making capabilities and community representation that diverse boards bring. As a result, many organizations are making concerted efforts to increase the representation of women, minorities, and individuals with diverse backgrounds on their boards. What this will mean for organizations is an Increase in social impact, talent acquisition, innovation, equity, promoted economic growth, development, and public trust.
- Greater emphasis on sustainability: The urgency of addressing climate change and other sustainability concerns is driving organizations to integrate sustainability principles into their operations and governance frameworks. Corporate boards are overseeing sustainability initiatives and ensuring that their companies are contributing to a sustainable future. This is getting particularly interesting with the new International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) sustainability disclosure standards were issued in June 2023 and they are expected to pave the way for mandatory sustainability reporting. We covered this extensively in our blog post here.
- Data Governance and Cybersecurity: In today’s digital economy, data is the lifeblood of any organization. It is a crucial asset that fuels Innovations, decision-making, and competitive advantage. As organizations accumulate and store more data, the need to safeguard it becomes increasingly paramount. More so, the decision of organizations to embrace technology, means that they must also be vigilant against cyberattacks. This is why board directors must establish robust data governance frameworks to protect sensitive information and safeguard against cyberattacks. In line with this, governments worldwide are enacting new laws and regulations to protect personal data and cybersecurity. In the coming years, these regulations will get more assertive, especially in the African continent. Organizations must watch out and adhere to these regulations to avoid fines and penalties.
Final Thoughts
I want to take this opportunity to wish you and your loved ones a joyous holiday season and a prosperous New Year. May the festive spirit fill your homes with warmth and laughter, and may the coming year be filled with new beginnings, exciting opportunities, and moments of joy. As you celebrate with your loved ones, take some time to reflect on the year that has passed. Remember the lessons learned, the challenges overcome, and the triumphs achieved. Use this time to recharge, reconnect, and prepare for the year ahead. May the coming year be filled with peace, happiness, and success.
Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas!