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 Communitarian Perspectives onCorporate Governance
Rory Ridley-Duff Sheffield Hallam University
A thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements of Sheffield Hallam Universityfor the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy
November 2005
 
 
Abstract
Research into corporate governance is currently oriented towards understanding howgovernors control the governed through contractual relationships, economicdecision-making and control over cultural values. These theories, however, were unableto provide satisfactory explanations for the empirical data discovered during this study.It became necessary to consider gendered aspirations, sexuality and emotional needs toexplain both social organisation and hierarchy development.Data from an 18-month critical ethnography was used to develop grounded theories oninterpersonal dynamics, culture development and corporate governance. Micro-analysisof journals, letters, e-mails, documents and interview transcripts were assisted bycomputer software. However, freehand sketching proved an equally valuable methodfor evolving theoretical ideas
.
Theory was developed using two comparison cases: oneempirical; the other based on an academic literature supported by a field visit.This thesis develops theory that courtship, friendship, marriage and childraisinginfluence the early development of a corporate governance system. They continue toexercise influence even when in contradiction with control systems imposed by externalinstitutions. This prompts a re-examination of theories of power so that the nature androle of intimacy at work can be accommodated.The study finds that decision-making is underpinned by a dual desire for attention
(social rationality)
and assistance
(economic rationality)
. The fusion between the twois sharpest immediately before and after childbirth resulting in a multitude of genderedbehaviours that influence workplace aspirations and social organisation. “Self-interest”depends on perceptions of others’ intent towards the people we care for and desire.“Common good” depends on which social groups and behaviours we believe should bepromoted within a culture. Communitarian perspectives on corporate governance,therefore, reflect the social aspirations of entrepreneurs, attitudes towards unitarist anddemocratic organisation, and organisation members’ constant struggle to balance socialand economic interests. Contributions are made to the application of grounded theory incritical ethnography and ethical dilemmas during participant observation.
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