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Does being ethical pay? Evidence from the implementation of SOX Section 406

Author

Listed:
  • Ahluwalia, Saurabh
  • Ferrell, Linda
  • Ferrell, O.C.
  • Gandhi, Priyank

Abstract

Firms that adopt a ‘code of ethics’ targeted towards senior financial officers (CEFO firms) in response to SOX Section 406 have higher valuations (Tobin’s q) than a matched sample of firms of similar size, operating in the same industry that have not yet adopted such a code of ethics (non-CEFO firms). Tracing the mechanism, higher valuations for CEFO firms result from both low risk-adjusted rates and higher cash flows. In turn, higher cash flows for CEFO firms result from increased profitability and lower compliance costs. CEFO firms also benefit from a lower probability of shareholder disputes and shareholder concerns. These results are consistent with models of integrity that predict that firms’ commitment to ethical behavior is associated with better performance.

Suggested Citation

  • Ahluwalia, Saurabh & Ferrell, Linda & Ferrell, O.C. & Gandhi, Priyank, 2024. "Does being ethical pay? Evidence from the implementation of SOX Section 406," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 183(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jbrese:v:183:y:2024:i:c:s0148296324003692
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jbusres.2024.114865
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Code of ethics for financial officers; Financial reporting; Sarbanes–Oxley market reaction; Market value; Securities legislation; Stock returns; Tobin’s q;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • D78 - Microeconomics - - Analysis of Collective Decision-Making - - - Positive Analysis of Policy Formulation and Implementation
    • 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
    • G18 - Financial Economics - - General Financial Markets - - - Government Policy and Regulation
    • G30 - Financial Economics - - Corporate Finance and Governance - - - General
    • G38 - Financial Economics - - Corporate Finance and Governance - - - Government Policy and Regulation
    • K22 - Law and Economics - - Regulation and Business Law - - - Business and Securities Law
    • M41 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Accounting - - - Accounting
    • M42 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Accounting - - - Auditing
    • M48 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Accounting - - - Government Policy and Regulation

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