ESG視角下的集團企業治理──以控制公司為從屬公司之實質董事下的法律責任為核心

Company Groups and Governance from an ESG Perspective: Focusing on the Legal Responsibilities of Controlling Companies as De Facto or Shadow Directors of Subsidiaries

本文聚焦實務運作中，集團企業如何進行從屬公司之治理，以及何種情況下，控制公司應被認定為從屬公司的實質董事，最後，控制公司若為從屬公司之實質董事時，其應負之責。本文指出，實務運作中，要有效訴追實質董事的責任，須有完善的配套措施，並且可能涉及相關修法。本文建議，集團企業治理的資訊應更加透明，除完善年報相關資訊外，就檢查人制度下取得資訊的範圍，也應考慮集團企業運作的需求，在必要範圍內，應允許控制公司與從屬公司之股東，有機會取得跨公司的資訊。此外，考量員工於集團企業治理中的重要角色，應強化集團企業吹哨制度的建立及其有效性之確保。
與此同時，控制公司的董事會與經營階層應注意集團企業營運可能產生的風險，建立完善的從屬公司治理架構，包括從屬公司設置必要性之檢視，不同屬性的從屬公司應採用不同密度的治理架構，並重新檢視集團內重要從屬公司之理架構是否妥適，其內部控制與吹哨制度是否有效，以及可能產生的法律風險。

This article focuses on discussing how company groups govern their subsidiaries in practical operations, under what circumstances a controlling company may be recognized as a de facto or shadow director of its subsidiary, and the responsibilities that arise if the controlling company is deemed a de facto or shadow director. It points out that to effectively pursue the responsibilities of de facto or shadow directors in practice, there must be comprehensive supporting measures, which may involve relevant legislative amendments.
The article suggests that information regarding company groups governance should be more transparent. In addition to improving the information in annual reports, the scope of information obtained under the Inspector System should also consider the operational needs of company groups, allowing shareholders of both the controlling company and subsidiaries opportunities to access cross-company information within necessary limits. Furthermore, considering the important role of employees in corporate governance, it is recommended to ensure the establishment and effectiveness of whistleblower systems within company groups.
At the same time, the board of directors and management of the controlling company should be aware of the risks that may arise from group operations. They should establish a sound governance structure for subsidiaries, including reviewing the necessity of setting up subsidiaries, implementing varying governance structures depending on the type of subsidiary, and reassessing and inventorying important subsidiaries within the group to ensure their governance structures are appropriate, and their internal controls and whistleblower systems are effective, and to identify potential legal risks.