Since Berle and Means [(1933). The Modern Corporation and Private Property. New York: Macmillan] raised the issue of separation of ownership and control some 70 years ago, corporate governance remains one of the most popular research topics in disciplines ranging from law and economics to...

Firms are legitimized by their environments if they survive and prosper. But firms can also proactively build legitimacy to enhance their long-term growth prospects. This is vital for private firms based on emerging economies given the weak protection for private property. This article examines...