An investigation into the application of corporate governance principles at selected public enterprises in Namibia
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Date
2019
Authors
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Journal ISSN
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Publisher
University of Namibia
Abstract
This thesis investigated the application of corporate governance principles at selected Public
Enterprises in Namibia, with a specific focus on Risk Management, IT governance as well as
Board Performance and Effectiveness. These three aspects are focal areas at the core of
corporate governance and are determinants of corporate success of an institution. The thesis
highlighted the Namibian perspective on corporate governance in terms of the domestication
of the King III and the development of other codes aimed at improving corporate governance
space in the country. The thesis would serve as a resourceful guide to future researches and the
general practice of corporate governance both in Namibia and beyond.
The thesis adopted a qualitative methodology research approach and followed an explorative
research philosophy. The population of this thesis was 80, comprising ofNAMFISA Board of
Directors, UNAM Council Members and their respective committees, and the owners of the
two institutions. By use of interviews and survey questionnaires, data was collected through a
convergent method. Through ATLAS.ti data was analysed using a content analysis.
The thesis found that both NamCode and King III have influence on corporate governance
practices in Namibia. Furthermore, both NAMFISA and UNAM, although at varying degrees,
apply corporate governance principles in terms of risk management and TT governance. The
thesis could however not make a clear cut finding on whether the two institution have adopted
the Board/Council Performance Evaluation principle. In addition it established that board and
council's constitution and appointment were informed by specific theories based on the
institutional needs. This approach is often pursued in ensuring the Board/Council effectiveness.
The thesis recommended inter alia, the amendments of the enabling Acts of the two institution
to align them with the Public Enterprises Governance Act and bring clear separation of powers,
introduction of Board/Council Performance appraisals, auditing of the exercise of delegated
powers, future investigation of the concept of reversed governance and the relationship
between political correctness and corporate governance
Description
A thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Business Administration Management Strategy
Keywords
Corporate governance principles, Public Enterprises, Namibia, University of Namibia, Board performance and effectiveness