Meetings, morals and manners: Applications for the Corporations Act

Corporate governance is exercised, controlled and made accountable through formal processes, as set out in the Corporations Act (2001).Many meetings operate on a consensual basis. Notwithstanding, the rules are there as a fundamental position which is used as a resort when consensuality fails. The essential formalities of meetings are ones which ensure economy of time and resources, and of fairness of debate. It is a major means by which the equitable contributions of all are accommodated. Without such knowledge on the part of all participants such meetings may be ineffective or subverted. This article argues the need not only for knowledge of formal procedures, but also sensitivity toward the human element in meetings. It is argued that the values of civilised conduct in meetings are not only worthy in their own right but also are conducive to efficiency of decision-making, and to speed of process. They are also an enhancer of the quality of both business and social life