Culture and Law in Corporate Governance

This chapter explores the relationship between culture and law, especially corporate law, and its implications for corporate governance. It begins with an overview of the basic concepts in cultural analysis as well as prevalent theories of cultural dimensions and of social networks as social capital. It then summarizes research findings regarding the consequences of culture for corporate governance on issues ranging from executive compensation to legal transplants and the objectives of the corporation (corporate social responsibility). It also discusses relations with investors and other stakeholders by way of disclosure and dividend distribution, along with the operation, composition, and network structure of the board of directors. Finally, the chapter considers how the relationship between culture and law affects diversity and persistence in corporate governance.