Governance in Antigua and Barbuda: A qualitative case study of five state owned enterprises

Abstract

This qualitative case study involved a purposive sample of five chairpersons from the boards of directors of State owned Enterprises in Antigua and Barbuda. The purpose of this qualitative case study was the completion of an examination of how corporate governance is implemented and monitored by chairpersons within SOEs in Antigua and Barbuda. Face to face interviews were conducted with the five chairpersons and their responses analyzed using NVivo 9 to aid in the coding process. Within this study were two research questions. (R1): How is corporate governance structure implemented and monitored by the board of directors within SOEs in Antigua and Barbuda? (R2): What can the board of SOEs do to ensure that the appropriate corporate governance structure is in place within the SOEs in Antigua and Barbuda? The six themes which emerged from the data included agency/principal relationship, political interference, number of directors, independent directors and communication. The research findings supported current literature that there are weaknesses in the corporate governance framework within state owned enterprises. Recommendations are made to leaders and governments who have interest in state owned enterprises. Additionally, the results of this study are of interest to leaders within small developing countries who are seeking to improve the corporate governance framework within state owned enterprises. This study adds to the body of knowledge of how the corporate governance framework within state owned enterprises may be improved.