The impracticality of an international “one size fits all” corporate governance code of best practice

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to review corporate governance literature from an international perspective in terms of having a global code of corporate governance. Design/methodology/approach Using a wide ranging literature review, the paper looks at the issue of a global corporate governance code of best practice from legal, corporate ownership structure and financial systems perspectives and the consequent/divergence issues that arise. Findings The paper supports the hypothesis that the “one size fits all” approach to corporate governance, particularly the Anglo Saxon model, is not necessarily the right approach from a global perspective. Convergence on fundamental features of shareholder protection, independence of directors and establishment of committees may be the preferred way forward. Practical implications The acceptance of a global corporate governance code is limited due to the adaptations in the business environment, investor confidence and corporate successes and failures. Originality/value The analysis of the framework provides an interesting paper for corporate governance researchers.