THE SURVEY SEEKS TO BE A COMPREHENSIVE LOOK AT PRIVATE COMPANY GOVERNANCE

The Institute for Excellence in Corporate Governance at the University of Texas at Dallas, Jindal School of Management has a simple question: How are private companies in the United States being governed?

The answer will come in the results of a first-of-its-kind survey being taken by the institute as part of a broader research project.

Dennis Cagan [Submitted photo]

Dennis Cagan said the survey is being sent to CEOs of private companies across the U.S. to determine how each company is being governed. Cagan said he’s unaware of any previous surveys seeking this type of data.

THIS IS A UNIQUE GOVERNANCE SURVEY

“There are none (other surveys of this type), for the most part,” Cagan said. “It’s a little surprising that nobody’s done it.”

Cagan is CEO of CaganCo Inc., an entrepreneur, professional board member, venture investor, mentor, consultant, and Shadow CEO, a term he trademarked for his work as interim CEO for several companies. He is a member of the institute’s advisory board.

He said most surveys only deal with how much private companies pay their board members.

This survey is more interested in what type of board governs each company. Is it an advisory board? A fiduciary board, or a board of directors?

Cagan said the institute’s aim is “to create the most extensive database on the subject.”

He said the institute hopes to get several hundred responses from a variety of private companies — from giant, well-known companies, to smaller firms.

Dallas-Fort Worth has several very large private companies, including Freeman and Daseke, as well a plethora of smaller companies founded by individuals.

THE SURVEY RESULTS WILL LEAD TO A REPORT

The institute hopes to get responses returned by the end of August, Cagan said.

Then, Cagan said, the date will be tabulated and researchers will write the report. It’s a chance to give the institute a unique place in governance research, he said.

“It’s an opportunity to differentiate themselves by stepping into this void,” Cagan said.

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