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Managerial Compensation and Stock Price Manipulation

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  • JOSEF SCHROTH

Abstract

This paper studies the role of optimal managerial compensation in reducing uncertainty about manager reporting objectives. It is shown that, paradoxically, firm owners allow managers with higher propensity to manipulate the short‐term stock price to push for higher powered and more short‐term‐focused equity incentives. Such managers also work harder, and manipulate more, but may not generate higher firm profits. The model is consistent with existing empirical findings about the relationship between manipulation and equity pay, suggesting that heterogeneity in manager manipulation propensities may be an important driver of heterogeneity in pay. Novel testable predictions are developed.

Suggested Citation

  • Josef Schroth, 2018. "Managerial Compensation and Stock Price Manipulation," Journal of Accounting Research, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 56(5), pages 1335-1381, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:joares:v:56:y:2018:i:5:p:1335-1381
    DOI: 10.1111/1475-679X.12237
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    Cited by:

    1. Pierre Chaigneau & Nicolas Sahuguet, 2023. "The Complementarity Between Signal Informativeness and Monitoring," Journal of Accounting Research, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 61(1), pages 141-185, March.
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    3. Wei Cao & Martina Linnenluecke & Jinfang Tian & Rui Xue & Huan Yang, 2023. "How does investor attention affect energy firms' managerial opportunistic behavior? New evidence from China," Business Strategy and the Environment, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 32(7), pages 5025-5043, November.
    4. Chia-Chi Lu & Carl Hsin-han Shen & Pai-Ta Shih & Wei‐Che Tsai, 2023. "Option implied riskiness and risk-taking incentives of executive compensation," Review of Quantitative Finance and Accounting, Springer, vol. 60(3), pages 1143-1160, April.

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