No. 4/2018
PuBLIC ENTITIES CoRPORATE GovJ"RNANCE
Cap.l0:31
361. The CCR Committee should(a) be composed of independent non-executive directors, a representative of
minority shareholders who arc appointed for their experience, integrity,
competence and effectiveness in corporate conflict resolution; and
(b) have its scope of authority, terms of reference, repmting structures and
methods of work approved by the board.
362. The principal task of the Board or CCR conunittce is to find a lasting and
rational solution that satisfies the interests of the company and the needs and interests
of the disputants.
363. Where a conflict arises between or among shareholders or between
shareholders and other stakeholders, the Board or the CCR committee should act as
intennediary in the con11ict and may suggest outsourcing the dispute to a mediator or
other neutral professional body for resolution.
364. An actual or potential conflict of interest involving a director, officer or
employee should be disclosed and the director, officer, or employee concerned should
not sit in any meeting which discusses the conflict. Any Board resolution regarding
the conflict should be passed by an affirmative vote which includes that of at least two
independent Board members.
365. A real or potential conflict of interest involving a Board member or a
substantial shareholder should be dealt with only by the full Board or the CCR
committee at a meeting convened for that purpose.
366. The following factors should be taken into account in selecting a dispute
resolution process-(a) time available for the resolution of a dispute: Formal proceedings, in
particular court proceedings, often entail procedures lasting many years.
By contrast alternative dispute resolution (ADR) methods. p<uticularly
mediation, can be concluded within a limited period of time, sometimes
\vithin a day;
(b) principle and precedent: Where the issue in dispute involves a matter of
principle and where the company desires a resolution that will be binding
in the future, court proceedings are more appropriate;
(c) business relationships: Litigation and processes involving an outcome
imposed on both parties can destroy business relationships. By contrast
mediation or conciliation tends to preserve business relationships;
(d) expett recommendation: Where the patties wish to negotiate a settlement
to their dispute but lack technical expertise to devise a solution, a
recommendation from an expert may be appropriate;
(e) confidentiality: Private dispute resolution proceedings are generally
conducted away from public glare;
(f) rights and interests: It is imrxntant to appreciate that adversarial corporate
conflict resolution involves the decision maker imposing a resolution of
the dispute on the parties after considering the legal principles and rights
applicable to the dispute. This procedure results in a nan·ow range of
possible outcomes. By contrast the inquisitorial approach to corporate
dispute resolution which involves mediation, conciliation or arbitration
allows the parties to consider their current and future needs and interests
in fashioning a settlement of their dispute. Accordingly, where creative
and forward looking resolutions are required in relation to a pmticular
dispute, particularly where the dispute involves a continuing relationship
between the parties, mediation, conciliation or arbitration are preferable.
367. To avoid prejudice, resolutions of corpomtc conflicts however reached should
be respected by the parties and implemented expeditiously.
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