“Culture” e “governance” dell’impresa bancaria oggi: temi e problemi

Moving from certain issues raised in the new book by Professor Capriglione and Professor Sacco Ginevri named “Metamorfosi della governance bancaria”, this paper stimulates a reflection on how corporate and social culture may shape banks’ corporate governance and address their activity in order to produce a positive impact on today’s society. In short, culture may play such role operating in two different directions: as a limit to possible misbehaviors and as a driver towards virtuous conducts. According to the first view, corporate culture – which implies, inter alia, the adoption of rigorous codes of ethics as well as a full commitment of the banks’ management towards fairness and correctness – may work as a “cultural audit” complementary to compliance, risk management and internal audit. According to the second view, social culture may encourage banks to adopt initiatives aimed at contributing to social utility and wellness.