Shareholder Action Direct shareholder action can be a powerful tool for anyone who wishes to influence the ethical behaviour of a company. Institutional shareholders such as charities, church bodies and pension funds still have all of the rights of direct shareholding. The institution simply appoints a representative to attend the AGM and that person may vote and speak at the meeting in the same way as an individual investor. A number of charities now target certain companies which they invest in to encourage them to improve their policies or practices. The rights and powers of shareholders are discussed more fully under Share ownership.