Abstract

We examine the influence of proxy advisors on firms’ shareholder engagement behavior. Our analyses exploit a quasi-natural experiment using Say-On-Pay voting outcomes near a threshold that triggers a review of engagement activities by Institutional Shareholder Services (ISS). Firms receiving ISS treatment exhibit a swift and substantive increase in engagement, especially those with weaker ex-ante governance. The elevated engagement persists beyond the period of ISS scrutiny. Treated firms alter elements of compensation and pay transparency that align with shareholder feedback, and enjoy ex-post economic benefits. Our findings indicate a disciplinary spillover effect of ISS through enhanced and enduring firm-shareholder interactions.

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.