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Macroeconomic Fluctuations as Sources of Luck in CEO Compensation

Author

Listed:
  • Hsin-Hui Chiu

    (California State University Northridge)

  • Lars Oxelheim

    (Lund University
    Research Institute of Industrial Economics
    University of Agder)

  • Clas Wihlborg

    (Chapman University)

  • Jianhua Zhang

    (University of Gothenburg)

Abstract

Macroeconomic fluctuations in interest rates, exchange rates, and inflation can be considered sources of good or bad “luck” for corporate performance if management is unable to adjust operations to these fluctuations. Based on a sample of 2,091 US firms, we decompose the impacts of macroeconomic fluctuations on three measures of CEO compensation. Our study provides empirical support for the importance of considering macroeconomic fluctuations in designing CEO incentive schemes. It adds to the managerial power literature on moral hazard and CEO compensation by pinpointing the obvious risk that the CEO in an asymmetric and non-linear reward system will be inclined to prioritize his/her own cash flow at the expense of fulfilling an assumed agency role. The policy conclusion for remuneration committees and board of directors is to filter out macroeconomic influences on performance to be rewarded whenever an asymmetric compensation scheme has been opted for.

Suggested Citation

  • Hsin-Hui Chiu & Lars Oxelheim & Clas Wihlborg & Jianhua Zhang, 2016. "Macroeconomic Fluctuations as Sources of Luck in CEO Compensation," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 136(2), pages 371-384, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:kap:jbuset:v:136:y:2016:i:2:d:10.1007_s10551-014-2520-1
    DOI: 10.1007/s10551-014-2520-1
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    Cited by:

    1. Hooghiemstra, Reggy & Hermes, Niels & Oxelheim, Lars & Randøy, Trond, 2019. "Strangers on the board: The impact of board internationalization on earnings management of Nordic firms," International Business Review, Elsevier, vol. 28(1), pages 119-134.
    2. Yixi Ning & Jun Yang & Yuan Wang, 2024. "The long-term impact of CEO compensation structure on CEO pay for luck and asymmetry," Journal of Economics and Finance, Springer;Academy of Economics and Finance, vol. 48(3), pages 834-856, September.
    3. Yixi Ning & Chien-Ping Chen & Yingxu Kuang, 2024. "The relative CEO to employee pay for luck," Journal of Economics and Finance, Springer;Academy of Economics and Finance, vol. 48(3), pages 924-946, September.
    4. Alsheikh, Muna Ibrahim, 2020. "Beliefs-dependent utilities do influence firm-specific wealth (executives’ inside equity holdings)," Journal of Economics and Business, Elsevier, vol. 109(C).
    5. Afzali, Haaron & Martikainen, Minna & Oxelheim, Lars & Randoy, Trond, 2020. "On the Role of Internationalization of Firm-Level Corporate Governance – The Case of Audit Committees," Working Paper Series 1370, Research Institute of Industrial Economics.
    6. Oxelheim, Lars, 2019. "Optimal vs satisfactory transparency: The impact of global macroeconomic fluctuations on corporate competitiveness," International Business Review, Elsevier, vol. 28(1), pages 190-206.

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