After the development in the administrative work and the focus on quality in its internal and external dimensions, in addition to the undesirable results of financial performance measures that are directed towards knowing past events and not what will be the case in the future, a new management concept appeared close to the end of the last century called the Balanced Scorecard, that balances financial and non-financial measures of performance, to assess short-term as well as long-term performance in a single report. The current research examines whether or not Lebanese banks apply the Balanced Scorecard by its four main dimensions (financial, client, internal operations, and learning-growth perspectives) in evaluating their performance. To achieve the objective of the study the researchers adopt the descriptive-analytical approach utilizing a five-point Likert style questionnaire as the study tool to collect information from the sample that consisted of 165 executives who work in different managerial positions of various departments at branches of banks listed in the Lebanese stock market. The study reached some important findings, mainly that there are potentials for applying the Balanced Scorecard with its four perspectives—primarily the financial perspective—in varying degrees in commercial banks listed in the Lebanese stock market. Based on the findings, the researchers had a set of recommendations directed to decision-makers in the banking sector.

The novel inclination towards applying principles of governance in banks constitutes a great challenge to banks around the world, especially in developing countries. It is especially challenging for Lebanese banks to apply principles of governance because its economy is passing through a very delicate period. This paper aims at studying the extent of commitment of Lebanese banks to principles of governance according to Basel Committee. It is of great importance that Lebanese banks should be committed to these principles to be able to face present and future challenges since applying principles of governance enhances trust of investors, shareholders and other related parties in addition to related international organizations which are closely watching the Lebanese economy. The researchers utilized a five-point Likert Style questionnaire which includes 56 items and asked employees of 10 banks operating in Lebanon to respond to them. Among those employees were board members, executives, internal auditors and heads of departments. The research reached some important findings, most importantly that Lebanese banks are totally committed to principles of governance. This enables Lebanese banks to have a positive impact on investors, shareholders and other parties, which might enhance the bank’s competitive position and attract a greater number of investors, depositors and stockholders.