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The role of reference point in CEO restricted stock and its impact on R&D intensity in high-technology firms

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  • Elizabeth N. K. Lim

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type="main" xml:id="smj2252-abs-0001"> Prior work based on agency theory and behavioral agency model has focused on how absolute pay values affect firm outcomes. Departing from this traditional approach, we draw from behavioral decision theory to explain how relative pay levels influence firm risk taking. We investigate how CEO restricted stock value relative to reference point influences R&D intensity in high-technology firms. We propose that negative deviation increases are related to R&D increases and positive deviation increases lead to R&D decreases, while negative deviation has greater effect than positive deviation. We establish theoretical boundary conditions by considering CEO duality and board vigilance as moderators. Drawing from agency theory, we predict the main effects will be enhanced under duality and weakened under high board vigilance. Our hypotheses are largely supported. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

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  • Elizabeth N. K. Lim, 2015. "The role of reference point in CEO restricted stock and its impact on R&D intensity in high-technology firms," Strategic Management Journal, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 36(6), pages 872-889, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:stratm:v:36:y:2015:i:6:p:872-889
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    10. Lim, Elizabeth, 2018. "Social pay reference point, external environment, and risk taking: An integrated behavioral and social psychological view," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 82(C), pages 68-78.
    11. Elizabeth Lim & Pino G. Audia, 2020. "Problem-Solving or Self-Enhancing? Influences of Diversification and Bright Spot on Corporate Resource Allocation Responses to Performance Shortfalls," Strategy Science, INFORMS, vol. 5(4), pages 348-368, December.
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    16. I. A. Shaikh & L. Peters, 2018. "The value of board monitoring in promoting R&D: a test of agency-theory in the US context," Journal of Management & Governance, Springer;Accademia Italiana di Economia Aziendale (AIDEA), vol. 22(2), pages 339-363, June.
    17. Laura Arenas & Ana Maria Gil-Lafuente, 2021. "Regime Switching in High-Tech ETFs: Idiosyncratic Volatility and Return," Mathematics, MDPI, vol. 9(7), pages 1-25, March.
    18. Lv, David Diwei & Chen, Weihong & Zhu, Hang & Lan, Hailin, 2019. "How does inconsistent negative performance feedback affect the R&D investments of firms? A study of publicly listed firms," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 102(C), pages 151-162.
    19. Sara Saggese & Fabrizia Sarto & Riccardo Viganò, 2021. "Do women directors contribute to R&D? The role of critical mass and expert power," Journal of Management & Governance, Springer;Accademia Italiana di Economia Aziendale (AIDEA), vol. 25(2), pages 593-623, June.
    20. Grey, Colette & Flynn, Antoinette & Donnelly, Ray, 2020. "Management compensation contracts and distribution policies in the US technology sector," International Review of Financial Analysis, Elsevier, vol. 67(C).

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