Board Size and Firm Performance: Case of Kuwait

Abstract

This study examined the relationship between board size and firm performance using a sample of 110 non-financial listed firms on the Kuwait Stock Exchange (KSE) from 2009 to 2017 (9 years). Empirical tests were conducted using OLS and 2SLS regressions as well as two performance measures to control the issues of endogeneity and causality; the study found that board size negatively affected firm performance. Thus, a small board size is better for non-financial Kuwaiti listed firms, which is consistent with agency theory and the majority of previous studies conducted in developed and developing countries. However, the causality issue does exist. The study makes a number of contributions to the corporate governance literature—namely, it provides a good understanding of the relationship board size and firm performance. In addition, examining such variables without considering the issues of endogeneity and causality would lead to misleading results. Finally, this study provides clear evidence for regulators in Kuwait to design an optimal board size to improve listed firms.