Who is allowed to call for a general meeting of the company?

The ability to call for a general meeting of a company is typically governed by the company's constitution and relevant corporate law provisions. In many jurisdictions, members holding a significant portion of shares, such as more than 5%, are empowered to call for a general meeting. This provision serves as a mechanism for shareholders to express their concerns, seek information, or push for changes if they feel that the company is not being managed in alignment with shareholder interests.

Having this threshold exists to ensure that the demand for a general meeting reflects the interests of a substantial segment of the ownership, offering a balance between directorial control and shareholder rights. This method encourages active participation by shareholders in governance.

The other options do not correctly outline the legal rights typically bestowed upon members regarding the calling of meetings. For instance, while company directors generally have the authority to convene meetings, it is not exclusive to them. Likewise, any member, regardless of share ownership, is not granted the universal right to call a meeting, as minor shareholders may not have adequate influence. Similarly, placing the authority solely with the chairman would restrain the democratic aspect of shareholder participation, limiting it to a single role instead of allowing broader participation based on shareholding thresholds.