What is corporate governance?

Corporate governance involves different rules, processes, and practices used to control and guide organizations. The process of corporate or business governance entails how the company is managed and works with its stakeholders — such as management, customers, board of directors, and shareholders — and how it evaluates those relationships to maintain the company's integrity and uphold the interests of all parties.

Learn more about what corporate governance is, what its benefits are, and whether or not it's the right career for you to pursue.

What is corporate governance, and why is it important?

Corporate governance is the overall structure of processes, actions, and rules that dictate how a company is run and to what ends, including who makes the decisions on how the company operates and how they are accountable for those decisions.

With a good corporate governance strategy in place, companies can uphold their integrity and create an environment of trust and accountability. This can lead to long-term economic success and help to maintain brand image and reputation. This area is increasingly valuable as consumers demand transparency and accountability from the places where they do business.

Pursuing a degree in this subject will provide you with the tools to work for corporate social responsibility, corporate social advocacy, or corporate values that go beyond profits.

What are the benefits of a degree in corporate governance?

Earning a degree in the area of business communications can prepare you for a career in corporate governance. While there isn't necessarily a degree in corporate governance, many communications and business law courses cover relevant topics and issues, including:

• Preparation for leadership: Programs in business governance are imperative for those in administrative and leadership roles to learn how to be better leaders.
• Mastery of corporate communications: Crisis management, public relations, and marketing strategies are important to any employer, regardless of your role.
• Improvement of relationship-building skills: Learning to communicate strongly and consider governance strategy in your daily workplace routine can help to build long-term relationships with customers, clients, and stakeholders.

Should I get a degree in corporate governance?

Studying corporate governance can help prepare you for a role in corporate law, communications, public affairs, marketing, crisis management, and even human resources. If you earn a bachelor's degree in business communications, you'll be set up to manage communications in the public arena and within company leadership. This degree can help you establish skills in:

• Communication
• Public relations
• Business ethics
• Corporate social responsibility
• Stakeholder management

Get started on edX

Take the first step toward your career in corporate governance and explore courses and programs in business communications through edX. You'll learn how to communicate professionally, manage relationships, and build a strong brand identity and reputation, all of which are valuable tools in the marketplace.