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From fiction to fact: the impact of CEO social networks

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  • Kirchmaier, Thomas
  • Stathopoulos, Konstantinos

Abstract

This paper investigates the relationship between a CEO’s social network, firm identity, and firm performance. There are two competing theories that predict contradictory outcomes. Following social network theory, one would expect a positive relation between social networks and firm performance, while agency theory in general and Bebchuk’s managerial power approach in particular predicts a negative relationship between social networks and firm performance. Based on a new and comprehensive measure of CEOs social networks, we observe for 363 non-financial firms in the UK that the size of a CEO’s social network affects firm performance negatively. Even so, growth companies are actively seeking CEOs with a large social network, which is in line with the social network theory. Still, we find evidence in support of the argument that well-connected CEOs use the power they obtain through their social network to the detriment of shareholders.

Suggested Citation

  • Kirchmaier, Thomas & Stathopoulos, Konstantinos, 2008. "From fiction to fact: the impact of CEO social networks," LSE Research Online Documents on Economics 24427, London School of Economics and Political Science, LSE Library.
    • Handle: RePEc:ehl:lserod:24427
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    File URL: http://eprints.lse.ac.uk/24427/
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    Cited by:

    1. Elena Semenova, 2022. "The small world of German CEOs: a multi-method analysis of the affiliation network structure," Journal of Management & Governance, Springer;Accademia Italiana di Economia Aziendale (AIDEA), vol. 26(2), pages 519-550, June.
    2. Fuchs, Florian & Fuess, Roland & Jenkinson, Tim & Morkoetter, Stefan, 2017. "Winning a Deal in Private Equity: Do Educational Networks Matter?," Working Papers on Finance 17155, University of St. Gallen, School of Finance.
    3. Goergen, Marc & Renneboog, Luc & Zhao, Yang, 2019. "Insider trading and networked directors," Journal of Corporate Finance, Elsevier, vol. 56(C), pages 152-175.
    4. Philip L. Hersch & Jodi E. Pelkowski, 2014. "Does General Manager Networking Affect Choice of Trade Partners in Major League Baseball?," Journal of Sports Economics, , vol. 15(6), pages 601-616, December.
    5. Francis, Bill & Hasan, Iftekhar & John, Kose & Waisman, Maya, 2012. "Urban agglomeration and CEO compensation," Bank of Finland Research Discussion Papers 17/2012, Bank of Finland.
    6. Thomas Begley & Naresh Khatri & Eric Tsang, 2010. "Networks and cronyism: A social exchange analysis," Asia Pacific Journal of Management, Springer, vol. 27(2), pages 281-297, June.
    7. Godechot, Olivier & Horton, Joanne & Millo, Yuval, 2019. "Structural exchange pays off: Reciprocity in boards and executive compensations in US firms (1990-2015)," MaxPo Discussion Paper Series 19/1, Max Planck Sciences Po Center on Coping with Instability in Market Societies (MaxPo).
    8. Chuluun, Tuugi, 2015. "The role of underwriter peer networks in IPOs," Journal of Banking & Finance, Elsevier, vol. 51(C), pages 62-78.
    9. Elsayed, Mohamed & Elshandidy, Tamer & Ahmed, Yousry, 2022. "Corporate failure in the UK: An examination of corporate governance reforms," International Review of Financial Analysis, Elsevier, vol. 82(C).
    10. Zhao, Y., 2010. "The role of directors’ professional and social networks in CEO compensation and the managerial labour market," Other publications TiSEM 42a65171-00c0-46e2-800c-b, Tilburg University, School of Economics and Management.
    11. repec:zbw:bofrdp:2012_017 is not listed on IDEAS
    12. Francis, Bill B. & Hasan, Iftekhar & John, Kose & Waisman, Maya, 2016. "Urban Agglomeration and CEO Compensation," Journal of Financial and Quantitative Analysis, Cambridge University Press, vol. 51(6), pages 1925-1953, December.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    CEO; boards of directors; social network; accounting performance;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • L25 - Industrial Organization - - Firm Objectives, Organization, and Behavior - - - Firm Performance
    • Z13 - Other Special Topics - - Cultural Economics - - - Economic Sociology; Economic Anthropology; Language; Social and Economic Stratification
    • G34 - Financial Economics - - Corporate Finance and Governance - - - Mergers; Acquisitions; Restructuring; Corporate Governance

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