The UN mantra becomes “principled pragmatism”, and the importance of principled decision-making is underscored from regulations to industry guidelines to risk-management programs, including the balance of principles and rules for effective governance.

CCPIB (Canadian Pension Plan Investment Board) representing the Canadian federal national pension obligations has adopted an “Independence. Accountability. Performance.” trident and updated its approach in 2007 with a Policy on Responsible Investing under the general principle of “responsible environmental, social and governance (ESG) factors can generally have a positive influence on long-term financial performance.” [ccpib.ca]

02Jun07 Economist Leaders @ p.15 Owner-Drivers: A Good Thing, On Balance.
A combination of unlikely allies are aligned in asserting the rights of shareholders and putting executives under “an increasingly harsh spotlight”. From wolfish hedge funds driving short-term results, to corporate governance types concerned with issues of integrity and long-term returns, to social activists on points of principle.
“Will shareholders micromanage corporate strategy? A few daft ones will try, but most know they lack intimate knowledge of companies and their markets.” Sensible shareholders will focus on board accountability.