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Governance and Efficiency of Microfinance Institutions

Author

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  • Patrick Van Damme
  • Mahinda Wijesiri
  • Michele Meoli

Abstract

Using a sample of Sri Lankan microfinance institutions (MFIs), we investigate the impact of several governance mechanisms on MFI efficiency, expressed in terms of the latter’s dual objectives of financial sustainability and outreach. Results reveal that smaller and gender-diverse boards have a positive impact on financial efficiency. Results also show that MFIs in which the chief executive officer (CEO) chairs the board and a woman holds the CEO position are less efficient in terms of poverty outreach.

Suggested Citation

  • Patrick Van Damme & Mahinda Wijesiri & Michele Meoli, 2016. "Governance and Efficiency of Microfinance Institutions," South Asia Economic Journal, Institute of Policy Studies of Sri Lanka, vol. 17(2), pages 236-247, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:soueco:v:17:y:2016:i:2:p:236-247
    DOI: 10.1177/1391561416650102
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    Cited by:

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    2. Eric Fosu Oteng-Abayie & Anthony Affram & Henry Kofi Mensah, 2018. "Corporate Governance and Efficiency of Rural and Community Banks (RCBs) in Ghana," Econometric Research in Finance, SGH Warsaw School of Economics, Collegium of Economic Analysis, vol. 3(2), pages 93-118, December.
    3. Wijesiri, Mahinda & Yaron, Jacob & Meoli, Michele, 2017. "Assessing the financial and outreach efficiency of microfinance institutions: Do age and size matter?," Journal of Multinational Financial Management, Elsevier, vol. 40(C), pages 63-76.
    4. Fall, François & Akim, Al-mouksit & Wassongma, Harouna, 2018. "DEA and SFA research on the efficiency of microfinance institutions: A meta-analysis," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 107(C), pages 176-188.
    5. Md Aslam Mia & Lucia Dalla Pellegrina & Patrick Damme & Mahinda Wijesiri, 2019. "Financial Inclusion, Deepening and Efficiency in Microfinance Programs: Evidence from Bangladesh," The European Journal of Development Research, Palgrave Macmillan;European Association of Development Research and Training Institutes (EADI), vol. 31(4), pages 809-835, September.
    6. Ayi Gavriel Ayayi & Mahinda Wijesiri, 2022. "Is there a trade‐off between environmental performance and financial sustainability in microfinance institutions? Evidence from South and Southeast Asia," Business Strategy and the Environment, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 31(4), pages 1552-1565, May.
    7. Wijesiri, Mahinda, 2016. "Weathering the storm: ownership structure and performance of microfinance institutions in the wake of the global financial crisis," Economic Modelling, Elsevier, vol. 57(C), pages 238-247.
    8. Khawla Chedad & Ayoub Boukir & Sanae Chaabi & Samir Aguenaou & Jawad Abrache, 2022. "Financial Performance and Sustainability of Microfinance Institutions in Morocco: A Structural Equation Model," International Journal of Economics and Financial Issues, Econjournals, vol. 12(1), pages 51-57.
    9. Banto, Jean Michel & Monsia, Atokê Fredia, 2021. "Microfinance institutions, banking, growth and transmission channel: A GMM panel data analysis from developing countries," The Quarterly Review of Economics and Finance, Elsevier, vol. 79(C), pages 126-150.
    10. Md. Ali Rasel & Sandar Win, 2020. "Microfinance governance: a systematic review and future research directions," Journal of Economic Studies, Emerald Group Publishing Limited, vol. 47(7), pages 1811-1847, April.
    11. Carlos S. Torres-Inga & Cristina Velasco-Heras & A. Javier Aguirre-de Juana & Guillermo E. Guevara-Viera & Raúl V. Guevara-Viera, 2022. "Technical Efficiency’s Nonparametric Analysis of Ecuadorian Saving and Credit Cooperatives before and during the Pandemic," Economies, MDPI, vol. 10(4), pages 1-15, April.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Microfinance institutions; governance; data envelopment analysis; efficiency;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C14 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Econometric and Statistical Methods and Methodology: General - - - Semiparametric and Nonparametric Methods: General
    • D24 - Microeconomics - - Production and Organizations - - - Production; Cost; Capital; Capital, Total Factor, and Multifactor Productivity; Capacity
    • G21 - Financial Economics - - Financial Institutions and Services - - - Banks; Other Depository Institutions; Micro Finance Institutions; Mortgages
    • G30 - Financial Economics - - Corporate Finance and Governance - - - General
    • O16 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Financial Markets; Saving and Capital Investment; Corporate Finance and Governance

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