Top management abnormal turnover and stock price crash risk: Evidence from China

Abstract

The activities and decisions of the top management have garnered considerable attention. The general phenomenon of management turnover has gradually become the focus of investors in capital market, especially top management abnormal turnover. This paper examines the correlation between top management abnormal turnover and stock price crash risk. The research finds that the higher the abnormal turnover rate of top management, the greater the risk of stock price crashes, indicating that top management abnormal turnover can exacerbate the stock price crash risk. Considering that directors' and officers' liability insurance is an instrument for enterprises to protect their own interests, this paper finds D&O insurance can mitigate the stock price crash risk caused by top management abnormal turnover. Based on China's special national conditions, further researches also consider political associations and the nature of property right. The results advance our understanding of top management abnormal turnover and directors' and officers' liability insurance, and remind companies to reduce stock price crash risk when the top management leaves.