Concept of Joint Stock Company

Meaning of Joint Stock Company:

Joint stock companies first came into being in the 18th century in Britain, and were mainly concerned with foreign trade. Initially, the organizational form was viewed with suspicion, it being supposed that it encouraged managerial efficiency and corruption. A corporation, chartered by the state in which it is headquartered is considered by law to be unique entity, separate and apart from those who own it. A corporation can be taxed; it can be sued; it can enter into contractual agreements. The owners of a corporation are its shareholders. The shareholders elect a board of directors (BOD) to oversee the major policies and decisions. The company has a life of its own and does not dissolve when ownership changes.

A company is a voluntary association, an incorporated association, an artificial person created by law, having a common seal and perpetual succession. Shareholders are owners of the company but management lies in the hands of BOD. Company means a company registered under an act.

According to H.L Haney: “A joint company is a voluntary association of individual for profit, having its capital divided into transferable shares the ownership of which is the condition of membership.”