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Inside directors, risk aversion, and firm performance

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  • Upadhyay, Arun D.
  • Bhargava, Rahul
  • Faircloth, Sheri
  • Zeng, Hongchao

Abstract

Prior literature provides mixed evidence on managerial risk aversion. Using a sample of 1737 large US firms from 1996 to 2005, we find a negative association between the insider ratio and firm risk. Upon further analysis, we show that firms with a greater insider ratio are also likely to have more conservative CEO compensation and investment policies. Analysis of CEO compensation policies indicates that firms with a greater insider ratio offer lower equity based compensation, lower vega and lower total compensation to their CEOs. Also, firms with a greater insider ratio tend to invest more in tangible assets such as plant and equipment and have lower intangible investments. Consistent with these boards instituting conservative policies, we find that firms with a greater insider ratio perform better when they operate in highly volatile environments. Overall, this study suggests that high-insider boards are more conservative in policy initiation and that such boards are valuable in firms with greater operating uncertainties.

Suggested Citation

  • Upadhyay, Arun D. & Bhargava, Rahul & Faircloth, Sheri & Zeng, Hongchao, 2017. "Inside directors, risk aversion, and firm performance," Review of Financial Economics, Elsevier, vol. 32(C), pages 64-74.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:revfin:v:32:y:2017:i:c:p:64-74
    DOI: 10.1016/j.rfe.2016.12.001
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Inside directors; Corporate governance; Firm risk; CEO compensation; Investment policy; Firm performance; Operating volatility;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • G32 - Financial Economics - - Corporate Finance and Governance - - - Financing Policy; Financial Risk and Risk Management; Capital and Ownership Structure; Value of Firms; Goodwill
    • G34 - Financial Economics - - Corporate Finance and Governance - - - Mergers; Acquisitions; Restructuring; Corporate Governance
    • K22 - Law and Economics - - Regulation and Business Law - - - Business and Securities Law

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