scholarly journals Corporate governance and the cost of equity: Evidence from the developing country

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 144-155
Author(s):  
Mahmoud A. Odat ◽  
Khaldoon Ahmad Al Daoud ◽  
Ziad Mohammad Zurigat

This study examines the impact of corporate governance mechanisms on a firm’s cost of equity. The corporate governance mechanisms examined consist of board size, board independence, CEO duality, multiple directorships held by board members, and board political influence. To accomplish the study objective, 210 firm-year observations for manufacturing companies listed on Amman Stock Exchange (ASE) in the period 2014–2018 are analyzed using panel data analysis techniques. The results of the fixed effects regression model reveal that CEO duality and board political influence negatively affect the cost of equity, while there is no significant effect of board size, board independence, and multiple directorships on the cost of equity. The results suggest that firms’ board of directors is an important factor in mitigating the agency problem suggested by Jensen and Meckling (1976). They also suggest that information risk is priced, which is consistent with previous research such as Easley, Hvidkjaer, and O’Hara (2002), and that the board of directors plays a role in reducing that risk in capital markets.

2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. 20
Author(s):  
Francis Chinedu Egbunike ◽  
Ardi Gunardi ◽  
Udunze Ugochukwu ◽  
Atang Hermawan

The main objective of the study was to investigate the effect of corporate governance on tax avoidance of quoted manufacturing firms in Nigeria. The study focused on internal corporate governance mechanisms and specifically examined the effect of board size, board independence, board diligence, CEO duality, and audit committee diligence. The ex post facto research design was adopted. The population comprised of all quoted manufacturing companies on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE). The sample was purposively drawn as all companies in the consumer goods sector of the NSE. The study relied on secondary data obtained from annual reports and accounts of the sampled companies. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the data. The hypotheses were validated using Quantile Regression technique. Results showed that board size, board independence, and board diligence were significant at the median and 75th quantile. CEO duality and audit committee diligence were not significant at the 25th, 50th, and 75th quantile. The study recommended among others moderate board sizes to improve efficiency of decision-making. In addition, the need for more independent directors and meeting frequency should be tailored to suit the needs of the company. Keywords: corporate governance mechanisms, tax avoidance, quantile regression


2019 ◽  
Vol 43 (4) ◽  
pp. 387-409
Author(s):  
Hanh Song Thi Pham ◽  
Duy Thanh Nguyen

Purpose This paper aims to investigate the moderating effects of corporate governance mechanisms on the financial leverage–profitability relation in emerging market firms. Design/methodology/approach The paper examines the impacts by estimating the empirical model in which a firm’s accounting profitability is a dependent variable, while financial leverage, board size, board independence, CEO duality, CEO ownership, state ownership and the interaction variables are predictors. The paper uses the panel data set of 295 listed firms in Vietnam in the period 2011-2015 and two key econometric methods for panel data, namely, the two-stage least square instrumental variable and general moments method. Findings The paper finds the evidence for the significant and positive effect of board size, board independence and state ownership on the financial leverage–profitability relation. The effect of CEO duality on the financial leverage–profitability relation tends to be negative, and the impact CEO ownership inclines to be positive, although both of them are statistically insignificant. The results are consistent across different estimation methods. Originality/value This paper is the first investigating the moderating effect of various corporate governance mechanisms on the financial leverage–profitability relationship in emerging market firms.


2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (4) ◽  
pp. 305-319
Author(s):  
Alhassan Musah ◽  
Mavis Yaa Adutwumwaa

Purpose: The study examined the influence of various corporate governance structures such as board size, board independence, board gender diversity and CEO duality on the financial performance of rural banks in Ghana. Research methodology: The study collected secondary data from the annual report of 30 rural banks for a 10-year period spanning 2010 to 2019. The data was coded into excel and exported into STATA where descriptive statistics, correlation analysis and regression analysis were adopted to answer the research questions. Results: The result shows that there was a positive but statistically insignificant association between CEO duality and ROA and ROE. The study further reveals a positive association between board size and ROA and ROE even though that of ROA was statistically insignificant. Also, board independence was found to be a significant determinant of rural bank financial performance In addition to the above, the study reported a negative association between gender diversity on the boards of the rural bank and ROA and ROE and both associations were statistically significant. Limitations: As a result of the lack of publicly available data on rural banks in Ghana, the study relied on only 30 out of the over 100 rural banks currently operating across the country. Contribution: The result of the study will help the Bank of Ghana and the ARB Apex Bank in their formulation of an appropriate corporate governance framework for rural banks in Ghana and enlighten managers of rural banks on corporate governance structures that enhance their financial performance in Ghana. Keywords: Corporate governance, Rural banks, Return on Assets, Return on Equity, Ghana


2016 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 384-398 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shamsul Nahar Abdullah

In the aftermath of the Asian Financial crisis in 1997/1998, the Malaysia Securities Commission (SC) issued the Malaysian Code on Corporate Governance in 2000 (MCCG 2000). It was subsequently revised in 2007 following the Enron and Transmile debacles. In 2012, the SC issued the latest MCCG 2012 which introduced several new recommendations that are in line with developments in other parts of the world. Hence, the purpose of this study is to investigate the influence of the structure of the board and its activities on firm performance post MCCG 2007. The study also aims to shed light on the effectiveness of the board of directors since the issuance of MCCG 2000 and of MCCG 2007. It also aims to reveal the preparedness of listed firms in Malaysia to embrace MCCG 2012. Using a population of non-finance listed firms for the 2009, 2010 and 2011 financial years, it was found that board independence, chief executive officer (CEO) duality, directors’ busyness, nomination committee independence, the establishment of a risk management committee (RMC) and board meetings are not associated with firm performance, i.e. Tobin’s q. However, the market appears to be in favour of a larger board size. As for return on assets (ROA), it is not associated with board independence, board size, directors’ busyness and nomination committee independence. On the other hand CEO duality and the establishment of a RMC improve ROA, while board meetings are detrimental to ROA. It can therefore be concluded that board independence is not associated with either Tobin’s q or ROA. Hence, any corporate governance reforms should not over-emphasize the representation of independent directors on the board, rather the focus might be shifted to board activities, such as board meetings and the establishment of a RMC. With regard to board size, since the market is in favour of a larger board size, firms should increase the board’s size to enable the appointment of women directors to the board. Finally, combining the CEO and board chairman roles should not be disallowed as the market views this favourably. Hence, the ‘one-hat approach’ does not appear to be applicable in the case of CEO duality.


2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 477-489
Author(s):  
Muhammad Bilal Ijaz ◽  
Muhammad Naveed ◽  
Hassan Raza

Purpose: The study looked at the effect of corporate governance on the cost of capital of firms in Pakistan's non-financial sector. Design/Methodology/Approach: The study sample is comprised of balanced data set of 175 non-financial companies listed on the Pakistan Stock Exchange between 2008 and 2018. The study used the dynamic panel GMM estimator technique. Findings: The findings revealed that an increase in the number of directors, board independence, CEO duality, and inflation negatively influence the cost of capital. On the other hand, the increase in institutional holdings increased the cost of capital. In addition, it is discovered that board committees, political connections, and economic growth do not affect the cost of capital Implications/Originality/Value:  When board size, CEO duality, board independence, and inflation increased, the cost of capital decreased in Pakistan's non-financial sector. Furthermore, board committees, political connections, company leverage, and economic growth do not affect the cost of capital in Pakistan's non-financial sector. In comparison, an increase in institutional shareholding increased the cost of capital in Pakistan's non-financial sector.


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Obsa Teferi Erena ◽  
Mesfin Mala Kalko ◽  
Sara Adugna Debele

Purpose This study aims to examine the impact of corporate governance mechanisms on financial and non-financial aspects of firm performance in medium and large-scale manufacturing firms in Ethiopia. Design/methodology/approach The cross-sectional survey and simple random sampling methods are adopted while the data collection is through a questionnaire that covers five corporate governance indicators consisting of the board independence, board effectiveness, shareholders role, internal audit effectiveness (IAE) and disclosure and transparency. The dimensions of firm performance were indicated by six firm performance indicators of customer and market (CM), internal process (IP), differentiation, efficiency, competitive position (CP) and financial (organizational) performance (OP). The covariance-based structural equation modeling (SEM) with the maximum likelihood parameter estimation technique was used to perform the data analysis. Findings A significant positive relationship has been found between the independence of the board of directors and firm performance (especially with respect to differentiation, OP, CP and IP). However, the board of directors’ effectiveness showed an unexpected result, significant negative effect on differentiation, OP, CP, CM and IP. The study also indicates a positive significant effect of disclosure and transparency on differentiation, CP and OP. However, the coefficient on the CM construct of firm performance is negative and significant. A significant negative linkage has also been revealed between IAE and two constructs of performance: differentiation and CP. One of the important findings of the study is that shareholders’ role has a significant positive impact on both board characteristics (board independence and board effectiveness) and firm performance (differentiation, efficiency, CP and OP). Research limitations/implications The study has two potential limitations. First, in comparison to prior studies, this study is based on a small sample size which limits the generalizability of the findings. Different scholars have suggested (Anderson and Gerbing, 1984, 1988; Iacobucci, 2010; Hair et al., 2019) that SEM requires a large sample size to test the hypothetical model. Thus, future research can further investigate the link between corporate governance and firm performance by using a larger sample size to achieve more reliable results. Second, the current study used a quantitative approach only, but prior studies (e.g. Ahrens and Khalifa, 2013) suggest a qualitative approach to more investigate and reach a very conclusive idea on corporate governance. The approach is currently receiving growing popularity in the literature. Practical implications The findings of the study would have measurable implications for different stakeholders who are in the position of supporting or regulating manufacturing firms. First, the findings give a clue about how a firm can design a good corporate governance system. Second, managers of the firm can get a hint or tip from the result that might help as input for designing strategies. Finally, it might help policymakers to understand and think about the very crucial role of active participation of shareholders in curtailing/reducing agency cost and enhancing firm performance apart from (beyond) the conventional corporate governance mechanisms (board of directors, internal audit, disclosure and transparency). Originality/value This study seeks to extend and contribute to the current literature in several ways. First, in contrast to previous studies, this study used both financial and non-financial performance measures and thereby providing new empirical insights relating to the non-financial performance measures. Second, this study provides a new result that the role of shareholders has a direct significant positive impact on board characteristics (i.e. board independence and board effectiveness) and firm performance. Finally, this study has come with a new insight that disclosure and transparency is a major driver of firm performance.


Author(s):  
Razali Haron ◽  
Anwar Hasan Abdullah Othman ◽  
Naji Mansour Nomran ◽  
Maizaitulaidawati Md Husin

This study examines the corporate governance mechanisms and how they affect firm performance in Malaysia. After the financial crisis in 1997/98, the CG issues have been the most debated, discussed, and researched in the attempt to improve the CG structure accommodating every economy regardless of the economic landscapes. Using a rich and huge data on Malaysian firms for 16 observation years, this study found that the MCCG has been of a closely referred blueprint by firms in Malaysia to improve firms' performance. Certain CG mechanisms do have significant impact on firm performance. Firms seem to operate in a large board size indicating a positive relationship with performance and board independence. CEO duality is negatively related, in support of separation of roles, complementing the result of board independence and ownership structure as positively related to performance. Agency theory seems to be the dominant theory influencing the CG structure of firms in Malaysia.


2018 ◽  
Vol 18 (3) ◽  
pp. 386-407 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mahmoud A. Nasr ◽  
Collins G. Ntim

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effect of corporate governance (CG) mechanisms (board size, board independence, separation of chairman and chief executive officer (CEO) roles and external auditor type) on accounting conservatism in Egypt. Design/methodology/approach Archival data relating to CG and accounting conservatism are collected and analysed using multivariate regression techniques. Findings The findings indicate that board independence is positively associated with accounting conservatism. By contrast, board size and auditor type are negatively associated with accounting conservatism, while separating the chairperson and CEO roles has no significant relationship with accounting conservatism. Originality/value To the best of the author’s knowledge, this is one of the first empirical attempts at providing evidence on the relationship between CG and accounting conservatism in Egypt.


2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 210-226
Author(s):  
Ishfaq Gulzar ◽  
S. M. Imamul Haque ◽  
Tasneem Khan

This article endeavours to study the relationship between corporate governance and performance for a sample of 11 textile firms listed on Nifty 500 Index in India. The article examines whether the board characteristics have any impact on performance measures. The data covers the time period from 2014 to 2018. The study uses board size, board meetings, board independence as corporate governance surrogates from different dimensions along with other widely uses of independent variables to assess their impact in a panel data-based regression. The findings provide mixed results between the board characteristics and the firm performance. Board size and firm performance is statistically significant with return on assets and Tobin’s Q. Whereas, board independence, board meetings and CEO duality are not statistically significant with both accounting-based measure of performance and market-based measure of performance. The article provides empirical evidence that board independence, board meetings and CEO duality is not necessary for listed textile companies in India and would be of interest to regulatory bodies, business practitioners and academic researchers. The main value of this article is the analysis of the effect of corporate governance on performance measures on listed Indian textile industries.


2020 ◽  
Vol 62 (2) ◽  
pp. 147-169 ◽  
Author(s):  
Albert Puni ◽  
Alex Anlesinya

Purpose The purpose of this study is to examine the influence of corporate governance mechanisms recommended by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) of Ghana on firm performance as measured by accounting-based ratios (return on assets, return on equity and earning per share) as well as market-based measure (Tobin’s Q) among listed Ghanaian companies from 2006 to 2018. These mechanisms are: board composition (board size, inside directors and outside directors), board committees (audit, remuneration and nomination), chief executive officer (CEO) duality/separation, board meetings and shareholder concentration. Design/methodology/approach The study used panel regression analysis of data from 38 listed firms in Ghana from 2006 to 2018 to test how each corporate governance variable initiated by the SEC of Ghana contributed to firm performance. Data were extracted from the annual reports of listed companies. Findings The study found that the presence of both insiders and outsiders on the corporate board improved financial performance. Similarly, board size, frequency of board meetings and shareholder concentration/ownership structure generally had a positive impact on financial performance. However, the presence of board committees generally had a negative impact on financial performance while CEO duality had no impact on financial performance. Practical implications The study contributes to the understanding of how good corporate governance practices affect firm performance for both academics and particularly Ghanaian policymakers. Originality/value This study provided new findings to bridge the gaps in the general corporate governance literature relative to the lack of consensus on financial impacts of corporate governance mechanisms. The finding contributes to knowledge by providing new and original evidence that some current corporate governance mechanisms are not effective in minimizing the agency problem in a developing setting. Furthermore, the authors anticipate that the outcomes of this research, which so far is the most comprehensive study in the Ghanaian context in terms of the coverage of corporate governance mechanisms specified by the SEC of Ghana, can significantly shape corporate governance discourse, practices and policies in Ghana, particularly and in other developing countries generally to improve financial performance and corporate sustainability.


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