Exploring the role of corporate governance in driving financial performance: An empirical investigation of Nepalese commercial banks

Abstract

This study delves into the substantial impact of corporate governance practices on a company’s financial performance, focusing specifically on Nepalese commercial banks in the Kathmandu Valley. With 419 participants from all 27 «A» grade commercial banks, the study concentrates on employees currently working in these banks, particularly top-level staff such as managers, department heads, and officers. The primary objective is to investigate the role of corporate governance in driving financial performance, using Return on Assets (ROA) and Return on Equity (ROE) as financial performance indicators of banks. The study explores various factors influencing corporate governance’s impact, including corporate governance policies, disclosure policies, board size, income diversity, and ethnic diversity. Data collection involves primary data from participants associated with the banks, and the analysis is conducted using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). Descriptive, correlation, and regression analyses are employed to understand the relationship between corporate governance and financial performance variables. Notably, regular evaluations of the board of directors are found to have a beneficial impact on financial performance. A bank’s transparency in sharing performance information exhibits a stronger positive correlation with ROE (R=0.183) compared to ROA (R=0.060), suggesting that ROE is more sensitive to disparities in information availability. Furthermore, the study identifies a negative impact of board size on financial performance, with low-income diversity positively influencing it and board ethnic diversity exerting a negative and statistically significant influence.