Impact of Corporate Governance on Organisational Performance of Indian Firms

This research study explored the link between corporate governance practices (CGPs) and organisational performance in India, especially in the context of some major CG reforms that have been undertaken since the turn of the twenty-first century. The authors also attempted to understand in-depth the implications of these reforms for the companies. For assessing the link between CG practices and organisational performance, data were collected from a sample of 100 listed companies in India using an adapted version of the Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI)’s questionnaire. Multilevel Factor Analysis (MFA) for scores along 5 CG sub-categories revealed 17 first-level and 4 second-level factors. Regression of organisational performance, measured using Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR), against these factors showed that the first-level factor representing corporate social responsibility and sustainability (CSRS) was a significant predictor of organisational performance. This finding is significant while considering the introduction of mandatory CG provisions for corporate social responsibility (CSR), applicable to companies meeting specified turnover and profitability thresholds according to CG regulations in India. The findings of this study open the debate on CG regulation and on mandatory and desirable norms in the Indian context. Eligible Indian companies must focus on the CG practice of investing in CSR initiatives through purpose-led CSRS interventions and their long-term benefits, rather than on viewing it as a mandatory CG provision that induces short-term expenses.