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Managerial sentiment and employment

Author

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  • Montone, Maurizio
  • Zhu, Yuhao
  • Zwinkels, Remco C.J.

Abstract

Recent research shows that managers, much like investors, are prone to sentiment. In this paper, we study the effect of managerial sentiment on firms’ operations both theoretically and empirically. Consistent with our model’s predictions, we find that high managerial sentiment increases employment growth, especially among firms with limited investment opportunities and regardless of their cash resources. We also show that high managerial sentiment offsets the negative effect of low investor sentiment and bad governance on employment, but ultimately leads to lower labor productivity. Overall, the findings unveil a new channel through which optimistic managers affect firms’ operations.

Suggested Citation

  • Montone, Maurizio & Zhu, Yuhao & Zwinkels, Remco C.J., 2024. "Managerial sentiment and employment," Journal of Behavioral and Experimental Finance, Elsevier, vol. 43(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:beexfi:v:43:y:2024:i:c:s2214635024000765
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jbef.2024.100961
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Managerial sentiment; Employment; Investment opportunities; Investor sentiment;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • D80 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty - - - General
    • G12 - Financial Economics - - General Financial Markets - - - Asset Pricing; Trading Volume; Bond Interest Rates
    • G14 - Financial Economics - - General Financial Markets - - - Information and Market Efficiency; Event Studies; Insider Trading
    • G32 - Financial Economics - - Corporate Finance and Governance - - - Financing Policy; Financial Risk and Risk Management; Capital and Ownership Structure; Value of Firms; Goodwill

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