Managerial Ability and Financial Outcomes of R&D Spending at Korean High-Technology Firms

Abstract

This paper examines the effect of managerial ability on the relationship between R&D spending and financial performance at high-technology firms. Since R&D activities are more critical for innovation at high-technology firms than at low-technology firms, high-ability managers at technology firms are expected to manage R&D spending effectively in order to improve firms’ financial performance. The analysis of Korean firms’ operating income and valuation over the past decade shows that managerial ability strengthens the association between R&D spending and financial performance at high-technology firms but not at low-technology firms. These findings clarify the interplay between managerial qualities and firms’ innovation processes at driving firms’ performance.