100 books like Corporate Governance and Accountability

By Jill Solomon,

Here are 100 books that Corporate Governance and Accountability fans have personally recommended if you like Corporate Governance and Accountability. Shepherd is a community of 11,000+ authors and super readers sharing their favorite books with the world.

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Book cover of Corporate Governance

Harry Korine Author Of Strong Managers, Strong Owners: Corporate Governance and Strategy

From my list on making corporate governance work.

Why am I passionate about this?

Some time after starting out as an academic in the field of strategy, I became aware of the fact that strategists thought and acted as if board members and shareholders simply did not exist—executives made strategy. The revelatory moment for me came when I tested this conception of the world against the reality that I knew, Europe and family business, settings where shareholders in particular have always played a critical role in deciding on the direction of the firm. Ever since, I have made it my missionin research, in teaching, and in consultingto make sure that strategy and governance questions are always raised at the same time.

Harry's book list on making corporate governance work

Harry Korine Why did Harry love this book?

Monks and Minow are the founders of modern shareholder-focused corporate governance. As such, their book is required reading for understanding how shareholders have taken back control of publicly listed companies, not only in the USA but also around the world. This is a book with a purpose, and it shows in the writing—the authors use detailed case histories, often from their own personal experience to show that corporations and business in general stand to benefit from more active shareholders.

By Robert A. G. Monks, Nell Minow,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Corporate Governance as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

In the wake of the recent global financial collapse the timely new edition of this successful text provides students and business professionals with a welcome update of the key issues facing managers, boards of directors, investors, and shareholders. In addition to its authoritative overview of the history, the myth and the reality of corporate governance, this new edition has been updated to include: * analysis of the financial crisis; * the reasons for the global scale of the recession * the failure of international risk management * An overview of corporate governance guidelines and codes of practice; * new cases.…


Book cover of International Corporate Governance: A Comparative Approach

Harry Korine Author Of Strong Managers, Strong Owners: Corporate Governance and Strategy

From my list on making corporate governance work.

Why am I passionate about this?

Some time after starting out as an academic in the field of strategy, I became aware of the fact that strategists thought and acted as if board members and shareholders simply did not exist—executives made strategy. The revelatory moment for me came when I tested this conception of the world against the reality that I knew, Europe and family business, settings where shareholders in particular have always played a critical role in deciding on the direction of the firm. Ever since, I have made it my missionin research, in teaching, and in consultingto make sure that strategy and governance questions are always raised at the same time.

Harry's book list on making corporate governance work

Harry Korine Why did Harry love this book?

Too often, people in the corporate governance field jump to the conclusion that what works in one country has to work the same way in another country. Although corporate governance is fundamentally about power and accountability, no matter the setting, one size does not fit all. Thomas Clarke’s book is an excellent introduction to understanding how different legal systems and different histories have shaped corporate governance in different national environments. Learn from the best no matter the source and adapt to local needs.

By Thomas Clarke,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked International Corporate Governance as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Thomas Clarke's International Corporate Governance offers a comprehensive guide to corporate governance forms and institutions and examines the recurring crises in corporate governance and the resulting corporate governance reform around the world.

While the popular structure of the original text has been retained, significant changes have been made to take account of the global financial crisis, ever-changing regulations and worldwide governance developments. Key topics include:

The governance failures of international corporations such as Enron and Lehman Brothers

Diversity in corporate and institutional forms across the world

The role of international corporate governance standards

Digital disruption in capital markets and proposals…


Book cover of Family Business Governance: Maximizing Family and Business Potential

Harry Korine Author Of Strong Managers, Strong Owners: Corporate Governance and Strategy

From my list on making corporate governance work.

Why am I passionate about this?

Some time after starting out as an academic in the field of strategy, I became aware of the fact that strategists thought and acted as if board members and shareholders simply did not exist—executives made strategy. The revelatory moment for me came when I tested this conception of the world against the reality that I knew, Europe and family business, settings where shareholders in particular have always played a critical role in deciding on the direction of the firm. Ever since, I have made it my missionin research, in teaching, and in consultingto make sure that strategy and governance questions are always raised at the same time.

Harry's book list on making corporate governance work

Harry Korine Why did Harry love this book?

This little book makes the questions around corporate governance in the family firm come alive with examples, people, and, even, feelings. Too often, corporate governance is considered unnecessary where family ties are supposed to make up for missing structure. Aronoff and Ward show how family ties can get in the way of sound business practices and make a very strong case for prioritizing governance in the family business. Governance in the family business, unlike governance in the listed company, needs to be precisely tailored to the situation, and this book provides a blueprint for starting the process.

By Craig E. Aronoff, John L. Ward, Drew S. Mendoza

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Family Business Governance as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Strong family governance can create an environment of smooth decision making, cohesiveness, effective conflict resolution and a directive that moves the business forward. Authors Aronoff and Ward show leaders why a strong governance is critical to taking families from one generation of success to the next.


Book cover of New Corporate Governance: Successful Board Management Tool

Harry Korine Author Of Strong Managers, Strong Owners: Corporate Governance and Strategy

From my list on making corporate governance work.

Why am I passionate about this?

Some time after starting out as an academic in the field of strategy, I became aware of the fact that strategists thought and acted as if board members and shareholders simply did not exist—executives made strategy. The revelatory moment for me came when I tested this conception of the world against the reality that I knew, Europe and family business, settings where shareholders in particular have always played a critical role in deciding on the direction of the firm. Ever since, I have made it my missionin research, in teaching, and in consultingto make sure that strategy and governance questions are always raised at the same time.

Harry's book list on making corporate governance work

Harry Korine Why did Harry love this book?

This is one of the very few books about corporate governance that provides truly useful, non-obvious tools for improving performance. Starting with a very good exposition of the challenges of modern corporate governance, Martin Hilb offers a variety of charts, self-tests, and questions for reflection that help owners, board members, and executives come to grips with their different roles in directing and controlling the firm. The situations discussed and the advice offered are relevant for listed and private companies – the best short primer on how to apply corporate governance.

By Martin Hilb,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked New Corporate Governance as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

In the 5th edition of this successful book Martin Hilb presents an innovative and integrated approach to the theory and practice of corporate governance. Central to this approach is a set of instruments - developed and tested by the author - that can be used by boards to offer effective strategic direction and control to their organizations. The board instruments can be readily applied to the selection, review, remuneration and development of board members, and for conducting board self-evaluations. This new approach to corporate governance is based on four guiding principles: keep it situational, keep it strategic, keep it integrated,…


Book cover of The Little Book of Boards: A Board Member's Handbook for Small (and Very Small) Nonprofits

Melisa Galasso Author Of Money Matters for Nonprofits: How Board Members Can Harness the Power of Financial Statements by Understanding Basic Accounting

From my list on someone new to a nonprofit board.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’m a CPA with nearly 20 years of experience in the accounting profession and I provide continuing education to CPA firms in the area of accounting and auditing. One of my areas of specialization is government and nonprofit accounting. I serve on the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB’s) Not-for-Profit Advisory Committee and the AICPA’s Governing Council. I am passionate about the standard setting process and ensuring financial reporting is accurate and presented in a way to help the user make financial decisions. I have a BSBA from Georgetown University with a concentration in Accounting and International Business. 

Melisa's book list on someone new to a nonprofit board

Melisa Galasso Why did Melisa love this book?

The Little Book of Boards provides a concise and easy-to-read overview of what are the responsibilities of a board member. It provides an excellent overview of the fiduciary responsibilities of the board and then the further responsibilities of someone who takes a leadership position. The appendices provide helpful guidance. When I was researching the nonprofit books out there for board members in preparation for writing mine, I found this one to be practical and well-written. Some books were too detailed but this one provided enough context for someone new to a board position. 

By Erik Hanberg,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Little Book of Boards as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Are you new to a board and have no idea what’s expected of you? Do you know what a board’s six key responsibilities are? Do you know what your relationship with the Executive Director should be? If not, this book is for you.

So many board members—especially of small nonprofits—want to support a nonprofit and readily accept the invitation to join the board. It’s only then that they discover they are in over their heads, with no idea of their expectations and responsibilities. The Little Book of Boards is here to throw that drowning board member a rope.

Told with…


Book cover of Joan Garry's Guide to Nonprofit Leadership: Because the World Is Counting on You

Ed Mishrell Author Of The 5 Truths for Transformational Leaders: How Nonprofit Organizations Thrive, Grow, and Make a Profound Difference

From my list on leaders with the courage to be transformational.

Why am I passionate about this?

I've been fascinated throughout my career by what makes an effective leader. I read about leadership; I carefully observed effective leaders; and I worked hard to become a leader. After a 40-year career, I concluded that nonprofit leaders required a leadership model that met the unique challenges of leading a nonprofit organization and that I was the right person to write the book. I'm proud of The 5 Truths for Transformational Leaders. I believe the book addresses the unique challenges of leading a nonprofit organization. I hope you discover how to use its principles to make a bigger difference in achieving your organization’s mission. Nothing could be more important for the future of our nation.

Ed's book list on leaders with the courage to be transformational

Ed Mishrell Why did Ed love this book?

While there are thousands of books on leadership there are few that specifically address the challenges of leading a nonprofit organization. 

Leading a nonprofit is different; authority is diffused and widely shared, success is difficult to define and competition for resources is intense. Or, as Joan states “nonprofits are messy.” Joan provides a practical guide to leaders based on her experience as a leader and consultant.  

Her approach is down to earth straight forward and sprinkled with a dash of humor. Hearing Joan speak and subsequently reading her book several years ago was the first impetus for me to explore writing about nonprofit leadership. Thank you Joan.

By Joan Garry,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Joan Garry's Guide to Nonprofit Leadership as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

In a world where the old rules no longer apply, nonprofit leadership is more important than ever

Now in its second edition, Joan Garry's Guide to Nonprofit Leadership is a must-have resource for organizations of all shapes and sizes wanting to make a bigger difference in the world. Filled with real-life stories and concrete strategies, this practical guide helps develop the specialized skills and mindset needed to successfully lead and manage a stable and impactful world-class organization.

A lot has happened since Joan Garry's Guide to Nonprofit Leadership was first published in 2017. The COVID-19 pandemic, the 2020 election cycle,…


Book cover of LeaderSHOP Volume 2

Maura Thomas Author Of Attention Management

From my list on to skyrocket your career.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’ve spent my entire career working with people who have achieved impressive personal and professional success, but in a way that leaves them exhausted, overwhelmed, and stressed. My passion is to help them see that exhaustion is optional, and they can offer their unique gifts to the world in a way that inspires and energizes them. The collection of books I’ve recommended here provide a wonderful starting point for some of the most common challenges I see my clients experiencing: distraction, overcoming unhelpful habits, stress and burnout, and the growing prevalence of remote work and distributed teams. This collection is for busy, driven professionals who are dedicated to personal growth.

Maura's book list on to skyrocket your career

Maura Thomas Why did Maura love this book?

This book is among my favorites because the topics are all related, yet the book touches on such varied areas of study that are so important to personal and professional success. You can jump around and read a quick chapter on whatever topic catches your attention that day—meaning and purpose, mental mapping, workplace practices and behaviors, trust and teamwork, communication, and so many others. It offers nuggets of wisdom in digestible chapters from some of my favorite business thinkers, like Dorie Clark, Frank Sonnenberg, and Marcus Buckingham. It’s like a personal library of the best advice in bite-sized chunks. If you like big ideas from smart people, you will love this book.

By Dr. Rodger Dean Duncan,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked LeaderSHOP Volume 2 as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

“Wow, what a great book! If you’re looking for a nutrient-rich dose of self-development, you’ve found it in LeaderSHOP.” – from the Foreword by Dave Ulrich, ranked as the #1 Management Educator and Guru by BusinessWeek and one of the world’s most influential thinkers in the field of people development.

How can you find more meaning—and even joy—in your work? How can you make your success not just predictable, but inevitable? How can you know when it’s time for a career switch? How can a dose of humility help you be a more powerful leader? How can behaving like an…


Book cover of The Real Deal

DeDe Ramey Author Of 24 to Life

From my list on a blend of romance, laughter, and mystery.

Why am I passionate about this?

There is something about a 'happily ever after' that, no matter how hard it is to get there, it is so satisfying when you do. If there is a little humor mixed in with mystery that can take your emotions on a rollercoaster, that’s all the better. I decided to write romance because I do believe in fairy tales. I believe love is a choice. You make it what you want. I am a romantic suspense author because I love the thrill of solving the crime. In many cases, truth is stranger than fiction. Many times I use real-life issues and moments in time in my writing to pique the readers' curiosity. 

DeDe's book list on a blend of romance, laughter, and mystery

DeDe Ramey Why did DeDe love this book?

For me, a strong character that tugs at my emotions will keep me reading every time. Brittney Sahin is a master of character development and one of my favorite books of all time is The Real Deal. Sebastian is a bad guy…or is he. There are so many layers to this huge character that I was torn about falling in love with him. He was a bad guy, but he had a good reason and though he tried to steer Holly away from his life, she saw through his rough exterior.

By Brittney Sahin,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Real Deal as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

A mysterious Irish billionaire is about to make the deal of his life.

Holly McGregor shouldn't be attracted to someone on the board of directors at her company. But she can't avoid his unforgiving stare, deny their electric chemistry, or resist his touch, his mouth, the dangerous invitation she sees in his eyes.

Her family hates him, and the city fears him, but she knows there's another side to Sebastian Renaud because he slipped--he let her witness the light beneath the dark. And now that she's had a taste, she only wants to discover more.

When Sebastian first laid eyes…


Book cover of Asking Styles: Revolutionize Your Fundraising

Melisa Galasso Author Of Money Matters for Nonprofits: How Board Members Can Harness the Power of Financial Statements by Understanding Basic Accounting

From my list on someone new to a nonprofit board.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’m a CPA with nearly 20 years of experience in the accounting profession and I provide continuing education to CPA firms in the area of accounting and auditing. One of my areas of specialization is government and nonprofit accounting. I serve on the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB’s) Not-for-Profit Advisory Committee and the AICPA’s Governing Council. I am passionate about the standard setting process and ensuring financial reporting is accurate and presented in a way to help the user make financial decisions. I have a BSBA from Georgetown University with a concentration in Accounting and International Business. 

Melisa's book list on someone new to a nonprofit board

Melisa Galasso Why did Melisa love this book?

While governance is a key aspect of any board member's responsibilities, often nonprofit board members are surprised or even disheartened by the requirement to fundraise on behalf of the organization. Some people are afraid that they can’t ask for money or are uncomfortable asking certain people and decide they don’t want to serve on the board. While there are a lot of books on fundraising, Asking Styles helps board members identify their asking style and what would be the most effective fundraising methods for them. It also helps understand how others feel about fundraising and how to work as a team to bring the most success to the organization. The book is a short read but full of great examples and practical guidance. 

By Brian Saber,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Asking Styles as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

This could very well become one of the most important books in our field. It is a breakthrough of a methodology that really works. It’s the best antidote I’ve read on taking the fear out of asking. It will make you successful. If you already are, it will make you more so. (From the foreword by Jerold Panas.)

The breakthrough concept of the Asking Styles makes it possible for anyone to become a more effective fundraiser. Your Asking Style is based on your personality and unique set of strengths when asking for gifts.

If you’ve ever said to yourself “I’m…


Book cover of Mr. Churchill's Secretary

Jennifer Kincheloe Author Of The Secret Life of Anna Blanc

From my list on smart historical mysteries that start a series.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’m a public health research scientist who writes humorous historical mysteries set in 1900s Los Angeles among the police matrons of the LAPD. Like you, I read. I love smart, well-researched historical fiction with strong female protagonists and a good romantic subplot. Extra points if the book is funny because studies show laughter is good for you. 

Jennifer's book list on smart historical mysteries that start a series

Jennifer Kincheloe Why did Jennifer love this book?

In 1940 London, Maggie Hope, a brilliant mind who graduated top of her class, is recruited by Number 10 Downing Street to be…a typist. Of course. She’s a woman. She’s also a crackerjack code breaker. I think you know where this is going. The character is wonderful, the writing strong, the story tight. A highlight for me was when Maggie –a young, virginal, cerebral type—pulls off a daring motorcycle jump with a man on the back because she has to. I don’t know, I think there’s a life lesson somewhere in there.

By Susan Elia MacNeal,

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked Mr. Churchill's Secretary as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

BARRY AWARD WINNER • Heralding the arrival of a brilliant new heroine, Mr. Churchill’s Secretary captures the drama of an era of unprecedented challenge—and the greatness that rose to meet it.

“With any luck, the adventures of red-haired super-sleuth Maggie Hope will go on forever. . . . Taut, well-plotted, and suspenseful, this is a wartime mystery to sink your teeth into.” —Kate Quinn, New York Times bestselling author of The Rose Code

London, 1940. Winston Churchill has just been sworn in, war rages across the Channel, and the threat of a Blitz looms larger by the day. But none…


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