The correct answer is: E. UK
The profession of company secretary originated in the United Kingdom in the 19th century. The first company secretaries were appointed by the directors of joint-stock companies to manage the company’s affairs and to ensure that it complied with the law. The role of the company secretary gradually evolved over time, and by the early 20th century, company secretaries were playing a key role in the management of companies.
The first professional body for company secretaries was established in the UK in 1881. The Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators (ICSA) was founded to promote the professional development of company secretaries and to raise standards in the profession. The ICSA is now the largest professional body for company secretaries in the world.
The profession of company secretary has spread to other countries around the world, and there are now professional bodies for company secretaries in many countries. However, the UK remains the birthplace of the profession, and the ICSA remains the leading professional body for company secretaries.
Here is a brief explanation of each option:
- USA: The profession of company secretary did not originate in the USA. The first company secretaries were appointed in the UK in the 19th century.
- India: The profession of company secretary did not originate in India. The first company secretaries were appointed in the UK in the 19th century.
- France: The profession of company secretary did not originate in France. The first company secretaries were appointed in the UK in the 19th century.
- USSR: The profession of company secretary did not originate in the USSR. The first company secretaries were appointed in the UK in the 19th century.
- UK: The profession of company secretary originated in the UK in the 19th century.