An analysis of an industry sponsored governance development intervention : the case of Dairy NZ's Mark and Measure programme : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Business Studies in Management at Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand

Abstract

A plethora of ‘good’ corporate governance prescriptions are ascribed to boards. Yet there is little research on the influence of corporate governance prescriptions on businesses. This research aims to investigate the impact of the DairyNZ Mark and Measure Farm Business Governance Programme (the Mark and Measure course). This research uses Kirkpatrick’s (1958) Four Level Model to evaluate the Mark and Measure course. The author employs an embedded case study with a sequential mixed methods design to examine the Mark and Measure course. The sequential mixed methods design included a document analysis, a quantitative comparative pre and post intervention analysis, and five qualitative semi-structured interviews. The participants in the research were made up of closely-held SME’s and family businesses. The results show inconsistencies in the conceptualisation of corporate governance in academia, the Mark and Measure course, and the responses of the interviewed participants. There was an increase in most of the four levels in Kirkpatrick’s model. However, caution needs to be applied to results as there are methodological issues with the employed survey instrument.