The Hampel Committee Report: A Transatlantic Critique

Jayne W. Barnard, William & Mary Law School

Abstract

To an American observer, the activities of the Cadbury, Greenbwy and Hampel Committees are impressive, if only because so few lawyers seem to be involved. Unlike the US, where improvements in corporate governance can usually be traced to legislation or litigation, British efforts at self-governance offer an attractive, alternative model. The Hampel Report is disappointing, however, in three respects: the report lacks concrete models; its reliance on the AGM as a mechanism of reform is misplaced; and its failure to recognize internal monitoring programs as an essential element of good corporate governance is shortsighted.