Dividend payout and corporate governance in emerging markets: which governance provisions matter?

Abstract

In this paper I examine the relationship between individual corporate governance provisions and corporate dividend payout. Using a sample of 220 firms from 21 emerging market countries, I show that dividend payout is an outcome of strong corporate governance. On closer inspection, I find that dividend payouts tend to be greater in firms which score highly in measures of board independence and accountability. I find some evidence which suggests that dividends substitute for a lack of transparency in emerging market firms.