When it comes to small investors, they aren’t necessary. I think @anon61221983 probably hit the nail on the head: this is probably aimed at activist investors (you know, billionaires like Carl Icahn).
The posting:
Small investors are likely to put forward motions limiting executive compensation, opposing layoffs, and advocating for ethical business practices in terms of pollution, subcontracting and accounting.
is very misleading. Activist investors, for example, are probably much more likely to push for layoffs, 'cause that’s how they make their billions.
