Introduction

This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book outlines the theoretical framework discussing several approaches and perspectives which make it possible to depict goals and mechanisms of corporate governance. The discussion also leads to the identification of corporate governance systems which evolved in selected countries and points out the differences found in developed, transition and emerging markets. Finally, the chapter identifies the analytical potential for the adoption of different theoretical approaches for the current research on corporate governance, addressing the issues of dynamic changes in corporate governance and the role this plays in the economy and society. Corporate governance remains one of the most dynamically researched themes in both finance and management as well as in other fields, including law, political science, sociology and psychology, indicating its complexity and importance on the economic and social scene.