Title: Corporate governance reforms in Malaysia: insights from institutional theory

Authors: Iqbal Khadaroo, Junaid M. Shaikh

Addresses: Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK. ' School of Business (Accounting Department), Sarawak Campus (Off Shore Campus), Curtin University of Technology, CDT 250 98009 Miri, Sarawak, Malaysia

Abstract: This paper uses the institutional theory framework to explain the current corporate governance reforms in Malaysia between 1998 and 2004. It explores the roles played by both existing and new institutions in promulgating regulations and voluntary codes on corporate governance. It is argued that |coercive|, |normative| and |mimetic| pressures have shaped current corporate governance practices in Malaysia. |Normative| pressures from the accounting and legal professions and international developments have |coerced| Malaysia into reforming and strengthening its existing corporate governance practices. This study further highlights that the Malaysian approach to corporate governance reforms is mostly geared towards regulation.

Keywords: institutional theory; corporate governance; regulation; Malaysia; reforms; voluntary codes.

DOI: 10.1504/WREMSD.2007.012129

World Review of Entrepreneurship, Management and Sustainable Development, 2007 Vol.3 No.1, pp.37 - 49

Published online: 23 Jan 2007 *

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