'You're not a shareholder:' One way corporations avoid investor opinions

Corporate shareholder meetings are notorious for their awkward moments, with disgruntled investors griping about everything from the value of their stock to factory closings and lending policies.

Not infrequently, an executive or board member is urged to resign. But the stammering, the dismissals and the pregnant silences keep occurring year after year because shareholders are guaranteed the right to gather — at least once a year, in most cases — and give management some form of input.