Corporate Governance And Social Responsibility- Stakeholders Of James Hardie - Assessment Answer

Corporate Governance And Social Responsibility Assignment

Assignment Task

Identify the various stakeholders of James Hardie and list next to each stakeholder group what corporate governance responsibilities are owed by its board of directors and senior management to each stakeholder group. It is possible that some corporate governance responsibilities are owed to more that one stakeholder group. Where this occurs (in your opinion), you should combine the relevant stakeholder groups into the identification of the specific corporate governance responsibility(ies).

Outline the key corporate governance issues in the James Hardie case, by referring to the ASX corporate governance principles and recommendations (2007) that should have been applicable to James Hardie if the company had not re-structured their organisation offshore.

Give examples of actions that the company could have taken in order to comply with the ASX guidelines that you have identified as being applicable above in your answer for Q2, and provide your reasoning for selecting these actions

How were the long term interests of each of these stakeholder groups affected or exacerbated by James Hardie directors’ decision to continue to manufacture the asbestos based product from mid-1960s until 1987?

Comment on the decision made by the board of director in mid-1960s. Was it legal at that time (i.e., mid-1960s)? Was this ethical decision making at that time (i.e., mid-1960s)? Include in your answer a discussion that demonstrates the difference between business ethics and moral ethics. Provide a reasoned argumentto support your answer.

How did the actions of various stakeholders potentially threaten James Hardie's ability to achieve corporate sustainability?