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The Norwegian Code of Practice for Corporate Governance - Statoil

The Norwegian Code of Practice for Corporate Governance - Statoil

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Introduction<strong>The</strong> purpose <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Norwegian</strong> <strong>Code</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Practice</strong><strong>The</strong> objective <strong>of</strong> this <strong>Code</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Practice</strong> is that companies listed on regulatedmarkets in Norway will practice corporate governance that regulates the division<strong>of</strong> roles between shareholders, the board <strong>of</strong> directors and executive managementmore comprehensively than is required by legislation.Good corporate governance will strengthen confidence in companies, and helpto ensure the greatest possible value creation over time in the best interests <strong>of</strong>shareholders, employees and other stakeholders.Listed companies manage a significant proportion <strong>of</strong> the country’s assets, andgenerate a major part <strong>of</strong> value creation. It is there<strong>for</strong>e in the interests <strong>of</strong> societyas a whole that companies are directed and controlled in an appropriate andsatisfactory manner. <strong>The</strong>re is international competition to attract the interest<strong>of</strong> both <strong>Norwegian</strong> and international investors, and this makes it essential that<strong>Norwegian</strong> companies and the <strong>Norwegian</strong> stock market are seen to maintainhigh standards in the area <strong>of</strong> corporate governance.<strong>The</strong> <strong>Code</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Practice</strong> is intended to strengthen confidence in listed companiesamong shareholders, the capital market and other interested parties. It is importantthat companies enjoy good relationships with society as a whole, andparticularly with the stakeholder groups that are affected by their businessactivities. Companies should there<strong>for</strong>e pay careful attention to establishingguidelines <strong>for</strong> their activities that take into account these issues.Target groupThis <strong>Code</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Practice</strong> is principally intended <strong>for</strong> companies that are requiredby the <strong>Norwegian</strong> Accounting Act to provide a report on their policies andpractices <strong>for</strong> corporate governance. This mainly relates to companies whoseshares are listed on regulated markets in Norway, i.e. at the current timeOslo Børs and Oslo Axess. <strong>The</strong> <strong>Code</strong> also applies to savings banks withlisted equity certificates to the extent that it is appropriate.<strong>The</strong> Oslo Børs “Continuing obligations <strong>of</strong> stock exchange listed companies”will determine which companies must report in accordance with this <strong>Code</strong><strong>of</strong> <strong>Practice</strong>.7 CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

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