The impact of multiple directorships, board characteristics, and ownership on the performance of Palestinian listed companies

Abstract

This research investigates the impact of multiple directorships, board characteristics, and ownership structure among non-financial firms listed on the Palestine Security Exchange (PSE) during the period from 2009 to 2016. Based on panel data of 200 observations, the results show that multiple directorships of board members, more especially independent directors, reduce the overall effectiveness of the firms and lowers their performance. In contrast, results show that board gender diversity and institutional ownership improve corporate performance. The analysis was repeated by considering Tobin's Q as a dependent. This study is timely, given some unique justifications and recommendations for limiting the practice of having excessive multiple directorships because this practice distracts managers from adequately performing their duties.