Chartered Financial Analyst Level 2

Explanation

This question examines the relationship between ownership structure, voting power, and shareholder control over management.

Let's analyze each option:

Option A: Dispersed ownership and dispersed voting power

• Dispersed ownership means no single shareholder has significant ownership stake
• Dispersed voting power means no shareholder has concentrated voting control
• This creates the weakest shareholder control because:
  • Collective action problems make it difficult for shareholders to coordinate
  • No single shareholder has sufficient influence to challenge management
  • Management can operate with minimal oversight

Option B: Dispersed ownership and concentrated voting power

• While ownership is dispersed, voting power is concentrated (e.g., through dual-class shares)
• The shareholder(s) with concentrated voting power can exercise significant control over management

Option C: Concentrated ownership and concentrated voting power

• Large shareholders have both ownership stakes and voting power
• These shareholders have strong incentives and ability to monitor and control management

Conclusion: Option A represents the scenario where shareholder control is least likely because both ownership and voting power are fragmented, creating significant collective action problems and reducing shareholders' ability to influence management decisions.