Four (4) questions must be answered in total (including compulsory questions one and two). All questions are of equal value.  This assessment task is worth 50% of the total.

Compulsory Question

You have been appointed to the Board of an International Mining company wishing to list on a stock exchange. They currently have no corporate governance or corporate social responsibility initiatives in place.

Question 1: Based on International corporate governance principles such as the OECD (2004), Sarbanes Oxley Act (2002), Combined Code (2003) and the Australian Securities Exchange (2007), recommend which specific principles you would encourage the Board to adopt and why?

Question 2: What corporate social responsibility initiatives would you encourage the Board to adopt and why?

Question 3

Discuss the key causes of unethical activity among boards of directors in light of such governance principles such as to “Structure the Board to Add Value” (ASX Principle 2, 2007).

Question 4

Discuss key motivations (and disincentives) for large companies to address their social responsibilities.  Use examples to enhance your answer.