The German Corporate Governance Code. Application of Standards by Corporate Management

Academic Paper from the year 2017 in the subject Business economics - Business Management, Corporate Governance, grade: 1,3, Munich Business School University of Applied Sciences, language: English, abstract: This Thesis examines the topic of the German Corporate Governance Code and its practical application of the Corporate Management body within DAX-listed companies. Taking as a basis a general understanding of the Code, its statutory provision and relevant content, it will be analyzed how Standards are applied by the corporate body and which recommendations are not being taken into account in practice. In order to provide a holistic evaluation, different literary material and scientific studies are being used to develop a picture of the fulfillment and to stress potentials of improvement. All aspects from the findings are being critically contrasted to characterize the actual situation in Germany. Moreover, it will be analyzed to what extend the different obligations of the Code are affecting the implementation. The German Corporate Governance Code may be generally used as a guideline document of the German General Commission to aim for good and sustainable governance within capital markets and to improve a company’s reputation towards shareholders. While various law legislations are underlying the Standards as well as mandatory obligations, the Code consists of different demands which also address potential commitments for German companies in the future. Some Standards exist on a voluntary basis and do not represent compulsive requirements. This Thesis will therefore assess and analyze the current application of Standards by a group’s Corporate Management. In regards to that, a comprehensive evaluation of implementation will be presented in this analysis.