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Determinants of the Size and Structure of Corporate Boards: 1935-2000

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  • Lehn, Kenneth
  • Patro, Sukesh
  • Zhao, Mengxin

Abstract

We argue that the size and composition of corporate boards are determined by tradeoffs involving the information that directors bring to boards versus the coordination costs and free rider problems associated with their additions to boards. Our hypotheses lead to predictions that firm size and growth opportunities are important determinants of these board characteristics. Using a sample of 82 U.S. firms that survived over the period of 1935 through 2000, we find strong support for the hypotheses. The hypotheses also find support in the relation between changes in board size and firms' merger and divestiture activity, and changes in the geographical diversification of firms. We find no robust relation between firm performance and either board size or composition after accounting for the determinants of these board characteristics.

Suggested Citation

  • Lehn, Kenneth & Patro, Sukesh & Zhao, Mengxin, 2008. "Determinants of the Size and Structure of Corporate Boards: 1935-2000," CEI Working Paper Series 2008-13, Center for Economic Institutions, Institute of Economic Research, Hitotsubashi University.
    • Handle: RePEc:hit:hitcei:2008-13
    Note: December, 2007
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    File URL: https://hermes-ir.lib.hit-u.ac.jp/hermes/ir/re/29288/WP2008-13.pdf
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    2. Pucheta-Martínez, María Consuelo, 2015. "El papel del Consejo de Administración en la creación de valor en la empresa," Revista de Contabilidad - Spanish Accounting Review, Elsevier, vol. 18(2), pages 148-161.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Board size; board composition; mergers and acquisitions; firm size; growth opportunities; diversification; geographical diversification; firm performance; endogeneity;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • G32 - Financial Economics - - Corporate Finance and Governance - - - Financing Policy; Financial Risk and Risk Management; Capital and Ownership Structure; Value of Firms; Goodwill
    • G34 - Financial Economics - - Corporate Finance and Governance - - - Mergers; Acquisitions; Restructuring; Corporate Governance

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