Firm Financial Performance Research Articles

Reputational risk and firm performance: Family versus nonfamily firms in different regulatory environments

This paper explores the relationship between reputational risk and firm financial performance in both family and nonfamily businesses. Relying on an international sample of over 5,000 listed firms from 2007 to 2019, we find that family firms have significantly lower reputational risk, and the impact of reputational risk on financial performance is lower in family firms. However, these findings vary across different macro-regulatory environments. In countries with poor regulatory quality, the effect of reputational risk on performance becomes positive, and family firms strengthen this positive influence. We attribute the findings to socioemotional wealth (SEW) theory and rent-seeking theory.

Corporate governance and financial performance of oil and gas firms: The Nigerian experience

As a result of corporate scandals, governments and corporations around the world enacted a slew of laws and recommendations known as best practices codes. As a result, this study examines the effect of corporate governance on the financial performance of listed Nigerian oil and gas firms from 2012 to 2022. The sample size for the study was set at nine firms. Corporate governance was measured by board size, composition, independence, and audit committee size, while financial performance was measured by Return on Asset (ROA) and Return on Equity (ROE). The hypotheses were tested using fixed effect panel regression, which was informed by the Hausman test. Findings revealed that board size has a significant positive effect on ROA while board size have an insignificant effect on ROE. In addition, board composition has an insignificant effect on both the ROA and ROE. Furthermore, board independence has a significant negative effect on the ROA and ROE. Similarly, the size of the audit committee has a significant negative effect on ROA, while the effect on ROE was negative but insignificant. The study concludes that corporate governance significantly affect financial performance of listed oil and gas firms in Nigeria. The Security and Exchange Commission should ensure that listed oil and gas firms adhere strictly to the required board size since a larger board does not influence financial performance.

The Role Of Corporate Social Responsibility On Pakistani CSR Award-Winning Firms And Its Impact On A Firm's Financial Performance

The critical study in vogue spells out the relationship between CSR and an established firm's financial performance. The study sample size is the CSR Award-winning companies of Pakistan. We have scientifically derived this research on CSR activities which are not directly affecting a firm's revenue, sales, operations, etc. The results interpreted that Award-winning-firm policies of CSR received an encouraging impact on Companies' financial performance, productivity, routine operations, and social policies. The contemporary study results invariably find that the best Award-winning CSR company's social legislation properly obtains meaningful contribution on social CSR activities since CSR (-1) merely enjoys a linear relation with CSR.

WORKING CAPITAL MANAGEMENT AND FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE: EVIDENCE FROM ALTERNATIVE ENERGY FIRMS IN THE UK

Purpose: This study examined the impact of working capital management on the financial performance of alternative energy in the UK from 2015 to 2022. The proxy used includes receivable turnover, payable turnover, inventory turnover and return on asset. The study employs an ex-post facto research design using panel data from the sampled firms' annual reports. Methodology: The panel data were analysed using descriptive statistics, correlation matrix and panel regression analysis. The Hausman specification test showed that the fixed effect was more appropriate. Findings and Conclusion: The findings show that receivable turnover has a significant positive impact on the return on assets of the alternative firm in the UK. In addition, payable turnover has a significant negative effect on return on assets, while the findings on inventory turnover have an insignificant impact on return on assets. These findings imply that working capital management significantly affects the financial performance of alternative energy firms in the UK. Based on the conclusion, the study recommends that oil and gas firms increase their net cash flow from operating activities to increase their financial performance. Originality/Value: Globally, it is acknowledged that many companies fail due to poor working capital management. This study contributes to knowledge by examining the effect of working capital management on the financial performance of alternative energy firms in line with sustainable development goals in achieving a sustainable UK economy. This has not been previously studied.

Entrepreneurial orientation and socioemotional wealth as enablers of the impact of digital transformation in family firms

PurposeThe research aims to investigate how digital transformation (DT), entrepreneurial orientation (EO) and socioemotional wealth (SEW) impact the financial performance of family firms in uncertain business environments. Drawing from existing literature, we propose that DT and EO drive firm performance. Additionally, we suggest a new role for SEW, which positively moderates this relationship in family firms, especially in terms of risk behavior and innovation for survival.Design/methodology/approachWe used the STEP Consortium’s 2020–2021 database, derived from a global survey that explored how family businesses responded to environmental shocks. Following STEP’s definitions, we proposed three hypotheses and tested two models using structural equation modeling.FindingsThe findings show that EO significantly enhances the impact of DT on family firm performance. Family businesses exhibit a notable willingness to take strategic venture risks to protect their SEW. These findings align with conclusions drawn in related literature, supporting all hypothesized relationships proposed.Practical implicationsThe study has made an applied contribution by challenging the misconception that family firms are outdated and provides insights into supporting their approach to entrepreneurship, innovation and transgenerational entrepreneurship. Furthermore, it provides business families and consultants with a new view of SEW as a strategic asset.Originality/valueOur study adds to the literature by showing how entrepreneurial orientation catalyzes the positive impact of digital transformation on firm financial performance. We also highlight the contextual influence on family firm decision-makers' risk propensity, which affects SEW development and firm outcomes. This context dependency of SEW can hinder or enhance performance, offering new research and support avenues for family firms.

ICT, Supply Chain Digital Integration Capability, and Firm Financial Performance: The Antagonistic Effects of Perceived Government Support and Cognitive Constraints on Digital Transformation

While awareness among managers regarding the benefits of digital transformation in supply chain management has grown, many Chinese SMEs have not fully embraced this shift due to ineffective ICT investments, a lack of effective government support, and the presence of related cognitive challenges. Leveraging a sample of 302 SMEs in China, the study employs SEM techniques to validate the direct effect of ICTs on the digital integration capability, and the relationship between the digital integration capability and firm financial performance. Furthermore, the LMS technique is applied to investigate the moderating role of government support and cognitive constraints within these relationships. Result shows that: (1) ICTs positively affect firm’s supply chain digital integration capability; (2) firm’s supply chain digital integration capability positively affects firm financial performance; (3) perceived government support exhibits an antagonistic effect, hindering the promotion of supply chain digital integration capabilities through ICT infrastructures; (4) Certain cognitive constraints related to digital transformation act as negative moderators within the digital transformation process. Through the exploration of two previously overlooked factors, namely perceived government support and cognitive constraints related to digital transformation, our research contributes to a deepened understanding of dynamic capability theory, social cognitive theory, and organizational inertia theory. Our findings suggest that government policymakers must reassess the effectiveness and objectives of policies in the digital transformation journey. Furthermore, firms are urged to acknowledge and address the potential adverse effects of cognitive constraints within their organizations and among their supply chain partners. Emphasizing the importance of digital integration capability is also crucial.

The Impact of Climate Risk Disclosure as Risk Management Tool on Firm Financial Performance: The Role of Board Characteristics “Evidence from an Emerging Environmental Regime”

The Impact of Climate Risk Disclosure as Risk Management Tool on Firm Financial Performance: The Role of Board Characteristics “Evidence from an Emerging Environmental Regime”

Analysis of Working Capital Dynamics versus Oil and Gas Firms’ Financial Performance

This study investigates the effects of working capital management on financial performance in oil and gas firms. The longitudinal research design was used. The secondary source of data was sourced from the Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX) as at 31st December, 2022 for various years. The Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) estimation technique method was adopted for analysis with the aid of the E-views (9.0) software. Findings obtained showed that WCFP and WCIP have positive and significant relationship with ROCE and a negative and significant relationship with ROCE The study thus concludes that only WCFP, and WCIP are good predictors of financial performance. This study thus recommends that companies should ensure that the cash conversion sequence is systematically monitored to avoid idle cash balances, occurrence of cash shortages as well as cash theft by employees. Keywords: Capital Management, Financial Performance, Inventory, and Profitability.

How Tax Compliance, Audit Quality, and Financial Reporting Quality on Corporate Financial Performance in Manufacturing Companies

Within the framework of Indonesian manufacturing enterprises, this study explores the intricate links between tax compliance, audit quality, financial reporting quality, and firm financial performance. Using Structural Equation Modeling with Partial Least Squares (SEM-PLS), a sample of 175 firms was examined. The effect of these variables on financial performance was evaluated using correlation analysis, hypothesis testing, and descriptive statistics. The findings show a strong positive correlation between business financial performance, financial reporting quality, audit quality, and tax compliance. This study adds to the body of knowledge by providing complex insights specific to the Indonesian manufacturing industry. These insights can be used by investors, policy makers, regulators, and firm management to enhance decision-making procedures and promote sustainable financial practices in the sector.

The Impact of Gender Diversity in Top Management on Firm Performance

This paper provides a comprehensive systematic literature review of the existing research on the impact of gender diversity in top management team on firm financial and non-financial performance. This paper summarizes the studies on the impact of gender diversity in TMT on performance through a systematic literature review. Firstly, this paper present the theoretical basis used to describe the relationship between them, and highlight the significance of the complexity perspective to address the limitation of measuring firm financial performance intently as a function of gender diversity in top management team from a singular theoretical perspective. Further, this paper review empirical literature on the relationship between gender diversity in top management team and corporate financial and non-financial performance, and discussed both positive and negative impacts in financial performance. Finally, based on the results of literature review, this paper present the conclusion and future research recommendations.

THE EFFECT OF NATIONAL ECONOMIC RECOVERY ON THE FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

The COVID-19 pandemic triggered a health crisis and ultimately had a broad impact on business. The slowdown in economic activity resulted in many businesses failing. In this crisis, the government's role is crucial in improving the economy. Based on the phenomenon, the study analyzes the impact of government roles and firm characteristics on financial performance during COVID-19. The sample is an Indonesian-listed company in the non-financial sector during 2020. Government intervention is proxied by National Economic Recovery (in Indonesia, known as Pemulihan Ekonomi Nasional-PEN) and firm characteristics by liquidity, efficiency, and market power. The study employed the difference-in-difference method to analyze the intervention and used ordinary least squares. National Economic Recovery is found inadequate to raise a firm's financial performance. Otherwise, efficiency and market power positively affect the firm financial performance. The study has some practical implications to execute. First, it is suggested that the government provide unemployment benefits equivalent to wage loss caused by the pandemic. Second, the firm must use its liquidity to adapt quickly to the environment since unused liquidity will be useless in the short term. Third, firms must also raise efficiency and market power to survive the pandemic.

Do Intellectual Capital in the Relationship between Governance and Corporate Financial Performance, Strengthening or Weakening?

This study aims to identify and analyze the role of intellectual capital as a moderating variable in the relationship between governance and firm financial performance. Using panel data regression, this study analyses 412 observation units from 103 manufacturing companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange during 2018-2021. The results show that, partially, both governance and intellectual capital have no significant effect on financial performance. However, when the governance variable has interacted with intellectual capital and a moderation test is conducted, it is found that the interaction variable has a significant effect on financial performance with a positive coefficient. This indicates that intellectual capital acts as a pure moderator variable of the positive effect of governance on financial performance. This result implies that in the absence of high intellectual capital, governance proves to be inefficient in its efforts to improve the firm's financial performance

Empirical Study of the Effect of Sustainability Accounting Disclosures on Financial Performance of Brewery Firms in Nigeria: Evidence from Nigerian Breweries PLC

The main motivation of this study stemmed from the dearth of empirical evidence of the effect of sustainability accounting disclosure on financial performance of Brewery firms in Nigeria and also to provide empirical proof on “governance disclosure” as one of the explanatory variables of sustainability accounting disclosure. Consequently, this study ascertained the effect of sustainability accounting disclosure on financial performance of Brewery firms in Nigeria. An ex–post facto research design approach was adopted for the study. The population of this study comprised five (5) Brewery firms quoted on the floor of the Nigeria exchange group (NGX), and Nigerian Breweries Plc was purposively used as the sample size of this study. Secondary data were carefully sourced from the financial statement/annual reports and sustainability reports from 2013 to 2022 of the Brewery firms quoted on the Nigeria exchange group (NGX). Least regression analysis by aid of E-views 10.0 software was used to test for statistical significance of the effect of sustainability accounting disclosure on financial performance of Brewery firms in Nigeria. The results showed that Economic Sustainability disclosure indexes do not significantly affect Net Profit Margin of Brewery firms in Nigeria. The findings further revealed that Environmental Sustainability disclosure indexes significantly affect Net Profit Margin of Brewery firms in Nigeria. More so, results showed that Social Sustainability disclosure indexes do not significantly affect Net Profit Margin of Brewery firms in Nigeria. Finally, the result established also that Governance Sustainability disclosure indexes do not significantly affect Net Profit Margin of Brewery firms in Nigeria, this study recommends among others; that managers of Brewers in Nigeria should improve and sustain full disclosure practices on economic, environmental, social and governance disclosures following the guidelines of the Global Reporting Index(GRI) as they are capable of exerting significant effect on financial performance of firms in Nigeria.

Female Board Representation and Corporate Performance: A Review and New Estimates for Australia1

Despite a conventional wisdom that female board members positively impact firm performance, a thorough examination of the research to date reveals no consensus that female board members have either a positive or negative effect on firm financial performance. We build the largest dataset of Australian board appointments assembled to date. We use our data to demonstrate how difficult it is to replicate existing research, with one example from Australia and one from the USA. Using event studies and regression analyses, we demonstrate that there is little evidence that female board representation affects firm financial performance.

ESG Performance and State Ownership in Firm Valuation: Perspectives from Singapore Companies

This study examines how Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) performance and state ownership affect firm valuation in Singapore and determines if the effects of ESG on firm valuation are more pronounced in state-owned companies. The data comprises 51 companies listed on the Singapore Stock Exchange with complete ESG and financial information during the five-year period from 2018 to 2022. This study finds that only social practices positively and statistically significantly affect stock prices. Overall ESG values, and the other two dimensions of ESG appear not to be statistically significant. State ownership appears to positively and significantly affect the stock price. The finding suggests that the Singapore government’s substantial influence over corporate practices could accentuate the difference in market perception of ESG efforts between SOEs and companies. The study provides useful and practical implications to policymakers, managers and investors, which affect firm financial and operational performance.

Why Should We Pay Attention to Working Capital Management? A Case of Ghana

The paper examines the nexus between working capital management (WCM) and financial performance of listed non-financial firms in Ghana. An unbalanced panel data for the period 2008 to 2021 was used for the study. It is observed that the residual terms of the models were cross-sectionally independent and all the series were first-differenced stationary and cointegrated in the long term The elasticities of the predictors were explored via the Fully Modified Ordinary Least Squares (FMOLS) and the Dynamic Ordinary Least Squares (DOLS) techniques. The findings of the study indicate that WCM proxied by accounts receivable period (ACP), accounts payment period (APP), and inventory turnover period (ITP) have significant positive effect on firms’ financial performance measured by return on assets (ROA), return on equity (ROE), and return on capital employed (ROCE). This suggests that the working capital management practices of non-financial firms in Ghana improve their financial performance. Also, firm size and asset growth improve firm financial performance. On the causalities between the variables, bidirectional causalities between ACP, APP, ITP, size, and thecompanies’ ROA, ROE, and ROCE are disclosed. Finally, causality from growth to the ROA, ROE, and ROCE of the firms are unraveled. It is recommended that policy makers of non-financial firms in Ghana should not overlook WCM practices in their financial decisions, since ignoring them could seriously compromise the firms’ short- and long-term sustainability.

Audit committee characteristics and firm financial performance of quoted industrial goods firms in Nigeria

Purpose: This study examines the effects of audit committee characteristics on the financial performance of listed industrial goods firms in Nigeria. Research methodology: This study used an ex-post factor research design and utilized secondary data collected from the annual reports and accounts of thirteen (13) sampled industrial goods firms for a period of 10 years (2013-2022). The sample of firms was obtained using a purposive sampling technique. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, correlation, and regression analysis (GLS Random Effect) with the aid of Stata 13. Results: The findings reveal that an insignificant positive effect exists between audit committee size and financial performance (ROA and ROE), while audit committee independence has a significant negative effect on return on assets (ROA) and a negative insignificant effect on return on equity (ROE), and audit committee meetings have a positive significant effect on asset (ROA) and a positive insignificant effect on return on equity (ROE). Limitations: The research is limited to only those companies in the industrial goods sector listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange from 2013 to 2022 and only focuses on the effect of audit committee characteristics on firm financial performance. There was also incomplete data, which did not allow for a complete and thorough analysis of the entire sector. Contribution: This study contributes to the existing body of literature on the effect of audit committees on the financial performance of Nigeria’s listed industrial goods sector. It provides insights that can assist the board in formulating appropriate strategies to improve their performance.

A Study on the Impact of Pilot Carbon Emission Trading Policies on Corporate Performance

This paper uses the carbon emission trading policy as a quasi-natural experiment to comprehensively investigate its impact on the financial and market performance of firms. The study uses data from A-share listed companies for the period from 2009 to 2022 and adopts the difference-in-differences model for a rigorous analysis. The mediating effect of financing constraints and the moderating role of managerial capabilities are examined with respect to the influencing mechanisms; heterogeneity was also analyzed in terms of carbon allowance allocation methods, carbon prices, environmental enforcement efforts, and type of industry. The results of the study show that the carbon trading policy has a significant effect on improving the financial performance of firms, while also inhibiting their market performance. The feasibility of the findings was further validated after conducting robustness tests such as propensity score matching and placebo tests. The mechanism analysis finds that financing constraints play a masking effect on the impact of carbon trading policies on firms’ financial performance; managerial competence can positively moderate firms’ market performance. Heterogeneity analysis shows that the inhibitory effect of emissions trading policies on market performance is more significant for firms in regions with a smaller share of free allowances. For companies in high carbon price regions, carbon trading policies have a more significant impact on financial performance. For companies located in regions with higher levels of environmental enforcement, the positive effect of carbon trading policies on financial performance is unchanged, but the dampening effect on market performance is more significant. Carbon trading policies have a stronger positive effect on the financial performance of high-polluting firms, but a more significant dampening effect on the market performance of low-polluting firms. The findings of this study enhance China’s research framework on the economic impacts of carbon trading policies on micro-enterprises, promoting sustainable business development and serving as a useful reference for policy sustainability.

Human resource executives' relative pay and firm performance

AbstractTo operationalize the extent to which firms place a strategic emphasis on human capital and human resource management (HRM), we draw on the strategy field's dominant logic theory and on the emerging literature on executive compensation for the heads of major firm functions, such as HRM. Specifically, we investigate whether the pay of human resource executives (HREs) relative to other members of top management teams (TMTs) is related to firm performance. After controlling for the endogeneity of HRE status as one of the highest paid executives on the TMT, we find in a comprehensive sample of the largest US firms that HRE relative pay is positively related to firm financial performance, specifically Tobin's Q. We also find that the relationship of HRE relative pay with Tobin's Q is stronger in relatively smaller and younger firms in our sample. The findings suggest that a strategic emphasis on human capital and HRM leads to higher firm value.

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Practices and Financial Performance of Firms

Purpose: The aim of the study was to assess the corporate social responsibility (CSR) practices and financial performance of firms. Methodology: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low cost advantage as compared to a field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries. Findings: Research on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) practices and financial performance of firms suggests a nuanced relationship between the two. While some studies indicate a positive correlation, highlighting how CSR initiatives can enhance long-term financial performance by improving brand reputation, customer loyalty, and stakeholder trust, others reveal mixed or inconclusive results, indicating that the impact of CSR on financial metrics can vary depending on factors such as industry, geographical location, and firm size. Additionally, researchers have noted potential limitations, such as the difficulty in accurately measuring the impact of CSR activities on financial performance and the potential for short-term financial sacrifices in pursuit of long-term sustainability goals. Implications to Theory, Practice and Policy: Stakeholder theory, resource-based view and legitimacy theory may be use to anchor future studies on assessing the corporate social responsibility (CSR) practices and financial performance of firms. Further research should prioritize longitudinal studies to provide insights into the causal mechanisms underlying the relationship between CSR practices and financial performance. Firms should adopt integrated CSR strategies that align with their core business objectives and values.