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Corporate Governance Transparency in Small Listed Entities: The Case of Malta

Author

Listed:
  • Peter J. Baldacchino
  • Nirvana Duca
  • Norbert Tabone
  • Simon Grima

Abstract

Purpose: The objectives of this study are to examine whether a lack of transparency is a common corporate governance feature of listed entities (“MLEs”) in the small European state of Malta and, if so, to assess the possible implications of such a stance. Design/Approach/Methodology: In order to achieve such research objectives, a predominantly qualitative mixed methodology was adopted. This involved carrying out thirteen semi-structured interviews with MLE and audit firm representatives, these being supported by an examination of the corporate governance statements of MLEs for the 2015-2017 periods. Findings: Results show a general lack of transparency in corporate governance reporting, with a common MLE tendency to comply only at a superficial level with the principles of good corporate governance and thus to often fail to sustain an appropriate level of transparency and governance structures. Practical Implications: It is recomended to increase company and shareholder awareness so as to help towards further improving current attitudes. Originality/Value: The study is particularly envisaged to contribute towards encouraging stakeholders in small-state contexts to reassess their current perspectives towards corporate transparency.

Suggested Citation

  • Peter J. Baldacchino & Nirvana Duca & Norbert Tabone & Simon Grima, 2020. "Corporate Governance Transparency in Small Listed Entities: The Case of Malta," European Research Studies Journal, European Research Studies Journal, vol. 0(2), pages 23-44.
    • Handle: RePEc:ers:journl:v:xxiii:y:2020:i:2:p:23-44
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Robert M. Bushman & Joseph D. Piotroski & Abbie J. Smith, 2004. "What Determines Corporate Transparency?," Journal of Accounting Research, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 42(2), pages 207-252, May.
    2. Etienne Farvaque & Catherine Refait-Alexandre & Dhafer Saïdane, 2011. "Corporate disclosure: A review of its (direct and indirect) benefits and costs," International Economics, CEPII research center, issue 128, pages 5-31.
    3. repec:cii:cepiei:2011-q4-128- is not listed on IDEAS
    4. Arcot, Sridhar & Bruno, Valentina & Faure-Grimaud, Antoine, 2010. "Corporate governance in the UK: Is the comply or explain approach working?," International Review of Law and Economics, Elsevier, vol. 30(2), pages 193-201, June.
    5. Akhigbe, Aigbe & Martin, Anna D., 2006. "Valuation impact of Sarbanes-Oxley: Evidence from disclosure and governance within the financial services industry," Journal of Banking & Finance, Elsevier, vol. 30(3), pages 989-1006, March.
    6. Richard A. Wolfe & Daniel S. Putler, 2002. "How Tight Are the Ties that Bind Stakeholder Groups?," Organization Science, INFORMS, vol. 13(1), pages 64-80, February.
    7. Winkler, Bernhard, 2000. "Which kind of transparency? On the need for clarity in monetary policy-making," Working Paper Series 26, European Central Bank.
    8. David Seidl & Paul Sanderson & John Roberts, 2013. "Applying the ‘comply-or-explain’ principle: discursive legitimacy tactics with regard to codes of corporate governance," Journal of Management & Governance, Springer;Accademia Italiana di Economia Aziendale (AIDEA), vol. 17(3), pages 791-826, August.
    9. repec:cii:cepiei:2011-q4-128-1 is not listed on IDEAS
    10. Imen Khanchel, 2007. "Corporate governance: measurement and determinant analysis," Managerial Auditing Journal, Emerald Group Publishing, vol. 22(8), pages 740-760, September.
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    Cited by:

    1. Parvez Alam Khan & Satirenjit Kaur Johl & Shireenjit K. Johl, 2021. "Does adoption of ISO 56002‐2019 and green innovation reporting enhance the firm sustainable development goal performance? An emerging paradigm," Business Strategy and the Environment, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 30(7), pages 2922-2936, November.
    2. Baldacchino & P.J. & Callus & A. & Tabone & N. & Ellul & L. & Grima & S., 2022. "The Barriers and Effectiveness of Management Monitoring by Maltese Listed Boards*," International Journal of Finance, Insurance and Risk Management, International Journal of Finance, Insurance and Risk Management, vol. 12(2), pages 92-127.
    3. Baldacchino & P.J. & Callus & A. & Tabone & N. & Ellul & L. & Grima & S., 2022. "The Barriers and Effectiveness of Management Monitoring by Maltese Listed Boards*," International Journal of Finance, Insurance and Risk Management, International Journal of Finance, Insurance and Risk Management, vol. 12(2), pages 106-141.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Corporate Governance; transparency; confidentiality; small European state.;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • G34 - Financial Economics - - Corporate Finance and Governance - - - Mergers; Acquisitions; Restructuring; Corporate Governance

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