Should a Director Go to Jail for Not Being Diligent? Singapore's Companies Act Section 157 raises a difficult question: where should we draw the line between director accountability and encouraging directors to take responsible business risks? Singapore directors should understand something important: diligence is not merely a matter of good practice. It is a legal duty. Under s157(1) of the Companies Act, a director must act honestly and use reasonable diligence in discharging the duties of office. A breach can also constitute a criminal offence under s157(3). You don't necessarily have to steal money, commit fraud or personally benefit. A failure to exercise the reasonable diligence required of a director can itself expose you to criminal liability. Nor does criminal liability under s157 necessarily depend on first establishing financial loss to shareholders. This makes Singapore noteworthy when compared with jurisdictions such as the UK and New Zealand, where breach of the ...
When we talk about sustainability, we often think about climate change, carbon emissions, ESG and saving resources. But I prefer an even simpler definition: A sustainable way is something you can do again and again because it continues to create value for yourself, for others and for the world. By this definition, sustainability is not only about what companies do. It is also about how we live, lead and relate to people. And one of the most sustainable practices I have found is Love Intelligence (LQ) —particularly the simple act of listening . Listening is a renewable resource Listening costs almost nothing. Yet we can practise it every day, with our employees, customers, colleagues, friends and family. And strangely, the more we listen, the more value we can create. When I truly listen to someone, I understand more. When I understand more, I make fewer assumptions. When I make fewer assumptions, I make better decisions. The other person also feels heard and respected. ...