Generalized Method Of Moments Research Articles

Moderating effect of capital structure on the relationship between corporate governance mechanisms and firm value: Evidence from India

While corporate misconducts highlight the need for effective corporate governance mechanisms, the degree to which such mechanisms impact firm value is unsettled in literature. We argue that board-centered mechanisms may appear impeded in isolation, as firm capital structure moderates the relationship between corporate governance mechanisms and firm value. We employ fixed effect panel models and GMM estimations on a sample of 306 non-financial Indian firms for 2013–2022 to uncover the standalone effects of capital structure and corporate governance mechanisms, along with their interaction effects, on firm value. Findings identify direct as well as moderating impacts of leverage on firm value for high-levered firms and large board size firms. However, for low-levered firms we find a direct but not moderating impact of leverage. There is no impact of leverage for small board size firms.

Economic determinants of child marriage: Evidence from the Iranian provinces

This study investigates the economic determinants of early marriage among girls under 19, using panel data from thirty Iranian provinces between 2007 and 2015. The panel fixed effects and generalized method of moments (GMM) estimations, which control for province fixed effects such as local cultural norms or geographical conditions, show that the level of income per capita (with a negative effect), inflation, and income inequality (both with a positive effect) are significant determinants of early marriage.

The Interplay Between Mental Health and the Business Environment in Asia

Mental health is not just a psychological issue, but it also affects Business Environment. The basic research question is to see if businesses environment and mental health have any strong relationship. We propose a model that suggests mental health depends on various factors, including mental well-being itself, economic conditions, education, physical health, and, importantly, creating new businesses. This study addresses the intriguing question of whether starting a business is beneficial or detrimental to mental health It depends on a lot of things, like how someone was feeling before, the state of the economy, their education, and even the fairness of the legal system. Our econometric model using Generalized Method of Moments (GMM) carefully takes all these factors into account to understand the bigger and novel picture of the question put forth, while taking care of the issue of endogeneity that may arise in such type of data sets. We measure our main dependent variable i.e. mental health through emotional well-being and depression, while business creation is assessed by environment, ease, clustering, skills, and worker availability. Furthermore, this groundbreaking study on a panel of Asian countries shows that income levels alone are not enough to predict mental health outcomes. Legal fairness and business-friendly environments play a surprising role in shaping mental wellness. By analyzing physical health, macroeconomic determinants, and environmental factors, the research highlights the complex interplay that affects mental health outcomes. The study's novel variables and large panel data analysis approach offer new insights into the policies and incentives that can optimize mental health outcomes for all citizens.

Globalization in lifelong gender inclusive education for structural transformation in Africa

The present study examines the relevance of globalization in lifelong gender inclusive education for structural transformation. The focus of the research is on 41 countries in Africa using data from 2004 to 2021. The generalized method of moments (GMM) is employed to assess the problem statement within the remit of interactive regressions. Gender inclusive lifelong learning is measured as gender inclusive education acquired during the three levels of education, notably: primary, secondary and tertiary inclusive education stages. Total globalization and corresponding components (social, economic and political dynamics) are employed as moderators. The attendant sub-components of economic (i.e., trade and financial) and social (i.e., interpersonal, informational and cultural) globalization are also employed for robustness purposes. The hypotheses that globalization and gender inclusive lifelong learning individually influence structural transformation are not validated. Furthermore, the hypothesis that globalization dynamics moderate lifelong gender inclusive education to promote structural transformation is also not validated. Clarification as to why the hypotheses are not validated is provided. Policy implications are discussed.

Which banks’ business operations are more risky? The impact of leverage on Brazilian financial institutions

We analyse the effect of leverage components and banks’ ‘business model channels’ on risk-taking for Brazilian banks. Using a detailed dataset from the Brazilian financial system, the results show that the measurement of leverage components is relevant for determining banks’ risk. We highlight two important findings. First, we provide novel insights for the design of a generalised method of moments (GMM) estimation using external instruments. Second, the derivative and on-balance-sheet operations are risky for investment and foreign banks. These results provide important information for banking supervision and regulation and bring new insights regarding banks’ leverage behaviour.

Testing in smoothed GMM quantile models with an application to quantile Euler equation

Within the framework of smoothed generalized method of moments for quantile models, including instrumental variables quantile regression as a special case, a distance metric hypothesis test and an overidentification test are proposed. The asymptotoic validity including the consistency of the distance metric hypothesis test are established. Simulations show reasonable finite-sample performance of both proposed tests in terms of size and power. In an empirical example, the proposed tests are applied to test the discount factor and elasticity of intertemporal substitution parameters in quantile Euler equations and overall the quantile Euler equation itself.

Financial Proximity and Agricultural Productivity: New Evidence from Sub-Saharan African Countries

ABSTRACT: Agriculture plays a vital role in driving economic output and employment in Sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries. Despite some progress, agricultural productivity in SSA still lags behind other regions. Limited access to finance remains a significant impediment to improving agricultural productivity in Sub-Saharan Africa. This paper investigates the effect of financial proximity on agricultural productivity in Sub-Saharan African countries. The study primarily employs the system GMM estimator, chosen to address the endogeneity issue typical in macro panel data. This method is also well-suited to our study because it accommodates a high number of cross-sections relative to the number of periods within each cross-section. Additionally, the IV-2SLS method is employed to check the robustness of the findings. The study uses an unbalanced panel for the 36 African countries with data for the period 2004-2019. Our findings show that increasing the financial proximity favors agricultural productivity in SSA countries. Specifically, the number of commercial bank branches (CBB) and the number of automated teller machines (ATM) per 100 000 adults, as indicators of financial proximity, have positive and significant effects on agricultural value added per worker in SSA. Additionally, our findings show that rainfall, arable land, and institutional quality are robust determinants of agricultural productivity. The positive effects of the number of CBB and the number of ATM are even more pronounced on agricultural productivity when coupled with strong institutional quality. Our findings suggest that improving financial services' accessibility in rural areas, coupled with enhanced institutional quality, regular rainfall, ample arable land, and increased access to water and land, are pivotal steps for achieving sustainable enhancements in labor productivity. This, in turn, leads to increased returns through value-added growth and expanded employment in the agricultural sector.

The impact of credit risk on market discipline: Exploring the moderating role of corporate governance through Generalized Method of Moments (GMM) analysis in banking companies

High credit risk poses a significant threat to banks, underscoring the necessity to examine the effectiveness of good corporate governance in mitigating such risks. This study aims to assess the impact of credit risk, represented by non-performing loans (NPLs), on market discipline, reflected through deposit growth, and the moderating role of good corporate governance, focusing on board size and institutional ownership, in this dynamic. Data for the study were sourced from the financial reports of banking companies on their official websites, IDN Financial, and the Indonesia Stock Exchange. The study used a purposive sampling method to analyze a sample comprising 30 banking companies and yielded 300 observations. The research methodology involved dynamic panel regression analysis using the Generalized Method of Moments (GMM) technique. The findings reveal that non-performing loans negatively impact deposit growth. However, it was also found that board size and institutional ownership could positively moderate the adverse effects of non-performing loans on deposit growth. This suggests that market discipline, manifesting as a reduction in deposits and an escalation in credit risk within the Indonesian banking sector, can be effectively managed and mitigated through the strategic implementation of good corporate governance practices, particularly by optimizing board size and enhancing institutional ownership. These mechanisms enable more robust market discipline, contributing to better credit risk management and promoting healthier deposit growth.

Evidence mechanism for promoting natural resources and green recovery through green economy: Sustainable assistance in finance

This study provides a comprehensive analysis of the role of green economics in the management of natural resources and the promotion of green recovery in the BRICS countries (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) over the period 1990–2020. Utilizing the Generalized Method of Moments (GMM) and Fixed Effect models, the research investigates the impact of green economic policies and practices on the sustainable management of natural resources and the enhancement of environmental recovery in these emerging economies. The study highlights how the adoption of green economics has influenced resource efficiency, reduced environmental degradation, and promoted sustainable development within the BRICS nations. The findings reveal significant variations in the effectiveness of these policies across different countries, reflecting the diverse economic, environmental, and social contexts within the BRICS. The research contributes to the understanding of green economics as a pivotal factor in driving natural resource sustainability and green recovery, offering valuable insights for policymakers and stakeholders in emerging economies.

Impact of trade facilitation on intra-manufacturing export among ECOWAS member states

This study investigates the effects of trade facilitation policies on intra-manufacturing exports among ECOWAS member states. Utilizing the Generalized Method of Moments (GMM) linear model, this research analyzes data from 2015–2020 for the ECOWAS member states. The findings reveal that trade facilitation policies in the ECOWAS region fall below the global average. This discrepancy is primarily due to the extensive bureaucratic processes in the region, leading to increased costs for exporting and importing goods. Consequently, there is a significant need for trade facilitation to enhance intra-manufacturing exports within ECOWAS. Based on these insights, the study recommends several policy interventions to improve trade flow and bolster intra-manufacturing exports in the ECOWAS region. These include a stronger commitment to trade agreements among ECOWAS member states, the adoption of information and communication technology (ICT) to streamline trade processes and reduce bureaucratic delays associated with document processing for exports and imports, the strengthening of institutional frameworks within the member states, and the formulation of policies aimed at increasing industrialization levels to enhance manufacturing exports throughout the ECOWAS region.

THE DYNAMIC RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN FOREIGN DIRECT INVESTMENT AND CARBON EMISSIONS IN SOUTHERN AFRICA AND WEST AFRICA REGIONS: THE INTERVENING ROLE OF FINANCIAL DEVELOPMENT

The study compares the regions of West and Southern Africa to assess the effect of foreign direct investment and financial development on carbon emissions. Panel data analysis was used in the study to look at the effects in 10 West African countries and 7 Southern African countries. The study employed dynamic panel data estimation techniques, particularly the panel quantile regression method and the generalised method of moment two-step (GMM) method estimation. These techniques were applied to ascertain the extent of the effects and guarantee a trustworthy inference. The results show that financial development has a positive effect on carbon emissions while foreign direct investment has a negative impact on carbon emissions. Furthermore, the study demonstrates that the Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) hypothesis exists in Southern Africa. Given the evidence showing that increased domestic credit to private entities is associated with higher carbon emissions, the study recommends that both regions consider green policies. KEYWORDS: Foreign direct investment; carbon emissions; Financial development; dynamic panel data GMM estimations; panel quantile regression

Strategy for Increasing Exports Through ICT Development and Potential Market Mapping: Case Study of Indonesia Labor Intensive Industries

Purpose: This research aims to specifically identify the role of ICT in the export performance of Indonesia's la-bor-intensive industries and Mapping potential market for Indonesia's labor-intensive industries export.
 Design/methodology/approach: The analysis was carried out by developing a gravity model and estimated using the Pseudo Poisson Maximum-Likelihood (PPML) and Generalized Method of Moment (GMM) methods as robust-ness tests.
 Findings: The estimation results show that ICT, both from the quantity aspect and the quality aspect, has a positive and significant impact on the volume of Indonesian exports. The results of this estimation have been proven to be consistent through several tests by controlling the problems of endogeneity, simultaneity, and auto-correlation.
 Research limitations/implications: The model developed in the study tends to interact with variables from both countries, namely Indonesia as an exporter country and a partner country for importing Indonesian products. The application of this kind of interaction causes the results of the interpretation to be unable to specifically explain the effect of variables in each country.
 Originality/value: This study discussed the impact of ICT through the quality and quantity aspects, this study also used product-level data, so the interpretation results more specifically explained the impact of ICT. Further analysis in this study also contributes significantly to identifying which partner has a potential market as the main destination of Indonesia's exports.

Corporate Governance and Cash Holdings among Non-Financial Companies Listed in the Nigerian Exchange Group

The exogenous shocks that necessitate firm deviation from a target cash holding vary across firms and institutional environments, hence the need for the study. This study examines the relationship between corporate governance (CG) and cash holdings among non-financial companies in the Nigerian Exchange Group between 2011 and 2020. The number of populations is 133 non-financial firms. As not all firms disclosed publicly comprehensive annual reports the number of final samples is 88 firms. Generalized Method of Moments (GMM) and the quantile techniques were adopted. With a speed of adjustment (SOA) of 0.75 and a time frame of one year, three months, and four days (1/0.749 = 1.34), the result reveals a partial dynamic adjustment to target cash holdings. The quantile estimation generally reveals low cash holdings and high SOA dynamics, and it is significant at 5% level. With exception of board gender diversity and institutional ownership, variables such as board independence, size, and chief executive officer equity ownership exhibit a significant inverse impact on cash holdings at a 5% level. Relying on the dynamic trade-off and agency theories, the results conform to a prior expectation. This study recommends that a manager should formulate strategic financial policy based on a firm’s specific SOA.

Political stability and corruption nexus: an international perspective on European and Asian countries

PurposeThis paper aims to investigate the impact of political stability on corruption by drawing upon a sample encompassing both developed and developing European and Asian countries.Design/methodology/approachThe dataset, sourced from the Refinitiv database, spans from July 2014 to May 2022. Panel data techniques, specifically pooled estimation and dynamic panel data [generalized method of moments (GMM)] are employed. The analysis encompasses both fixed and random effects models to capture country-specific cross-sectional effects. To validate our findings, we perform a robustness test by including in the investigation four control variables, namely poverty, type of governance, economic freedom and inflation. To test heterogeneity, the dataset is further divided into two distinct subsamples based on the countries’ locations.FindingsEmpirical findings substantiate that political stability (viewed as the risk of government destabilization) has a positive and significant impact on corruption in all analyzed samples of European and Asian countries, though some differences are observed in various subsamples. When we take into account the control variables, these analysis results are robust.Research limitations/implicationsThis research provided a panel data analysis with GMM, while other empirical methodologies could also be used, like the difference-in-difference approach. However, our results should be validated by extending the time and the sample to a worldwide sample and using alternative measures of corruption and political stability. Moreover, our focus was on a linear and unidirectional relationship between the considered variables, but it would be interesting to test in our further research a non-linear and bidirectional correlation between them. Furthermore, we have introduced in the robustness test only four economic variables, but to consolidate our findings, we plan to include socioeconomic and demographic variables in future studies.Practical implicationsThese outcomes imply that authorities should be aware of the necessity of implementing anti-corruption policies designed to establish effective agencies and enforcement structures for combating systemic corruption, to improve the political environment and the quality of institutions and to apply coherent economic strategies to accelerate economic growth because higher political stability and sustainable development determine a decrease in levels of corruption.Social implicationsAt the microeconomic level, the survival of organizations may be in danger from new types of corruption and money laundering. Therefore, in order to prevent financial harm, the top businesses worldwide should respond to instances of corruption through strengthened supervisory procedures. This calls for the creation of a mechanism inside the code of conduct where correct reporting of suspected situations of corruption would have a prompt procedure to be notified of. To avoid corruption in operational procedures, national plans and policies should be developed by government officials, executives and legislators on a national level, as well as by senior management and the board of directors on an organizational level. This might lower organizations' extra corruption-related expenses, assure economic growth and improve global welfare.Originality/valueA novel feature of our research resides in its broad examination of a sizable sample of European and Asian countries regarding the nexus between corruption and political stability. The paper also investigates a less explored topic in economic literature, namely the impact of political stability on corruption. Furthermore, the study depicts policy recommendations, outlining effective and reasonable measures aimed at improving the political landscape and combating corruption.

Remittance inflows and financial development in Sub-Saharan African countries: Does governance matter?

BackgroundThe surge in remittances in most sub-Saharan African countries motivated this study to establish whether remittance inflows enhance financial development and whether governance plays any significant mediating role in the nexus between financial development and remittance inflows. PurposeThe study examines the impact of remittance inflows on bank-based financial development in 26 sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries using three proxies of bank-based financial development. The study also examines whether government regulatory quality and effectiveness modulate the impact of remittance on bank-based financial development. MethodThe generalised method of moments (GMM) estimation technique is used to examine this linkage. ResultsThe results show that when financial development is proxied by liquid liabilities and bank deposits, remittance inflow is found to have an unconditional positive impact on bank-based financial development, while governance is found to reinforce the positive relationship between remittance and financial development. However, when financial development is proxied by deposit money bank assets, remittance is found to have no profound effect on bank-based financial development, but it was found to interact with government effectiveness to yield a positive influence on financial development. ConclusionOverall, remittance inflows were found to have an overwhelming positive impact on the banking sector development. It was also found that good governance generally tends to reinforce the positive impact of remittances on banking sector development. NoveltyThis study adds value to the extant literature by providing answers to the role that governance plays in enhancing the impact of remittances on financial development in sub-Saharan African countries.

Insurer’s Risk-Taking Behavior in India: Does Board Matter?

This study investigates the board’s role in shaping insurers’ risk-taking using data of 49 Indian insurance firms from 2014 to 2021. We captured the insurer’s risk using four proxy measures: underwriting, investment, insolvency and total risks. To address potential endogeneity concerns in the relationship with board attributes, we employ a two-step Generalized Method of Moments (GMM) approach. Robustness checks are conducted using the panel quantile estimation approach. The empirical analysis reveals that life insurers face greater underwriting risk than non-life insurers. A larger board with duality appears to mitigate insurers’ risk, particularly in the case of life insurers. The presence of independent directors on insurer boards, along with an optimal frequency of board meetings, effectively mitigates risk among Indian insurers. The study concludes that dual regulations erode regulatory discipline among public insurers, leading to an inadequate governance structure.

Determinants of Islamic bank stability in Asia

Purpose This study aims to analyze the factors that influenced the stability of Islamic banks in Asia. Design/methodology/approach The panel data consisted of 16 Asian countries operating Islamic banks from 2010 to 2019. The data were analyzed through dynamic panel regression using Arellano–Bond generalized method of moments (GMM). Findings This study provides novel insights into the factors influencing the stability of Islamic banks in Asia. The findings suggest that past financial stability, liquidity risk, loan risk, inflation, gross domestic product, government effectiveness, rule of law and control of corruption are all significant contributors to Islamic bank stability. Notably, political stability, voice and accountability and regulatory quality did not show a significant association. Research limitations/implications The current study’s focus was solely on Islamic bank stability in Asian countries, which leaves room for further exploration. Future research could benefit from expanding the scope to encompass all nations with active Islamic banking institutions. In addition, incorporating a broader range of macroeconomic variables, such as exchange rates, interest rates, profit-sharing equivalents and investment rates, could provide deeper insights into the factors influencing Islamic bank stability across diverse contexts. Practical implications This study has significant practical implications for policymakers, bank managers and regulatory authorities seeking to enhance the stability of Islamic banks in Asia. By implementing robust risk management frameworks, adopting prudent regulatory policies, and actively fostering economic growth, policymakers can create an environment conducive to the sustained development and prosperity of Islamic banking institutions. Notably, promoting good governance practices and instituting effective crisis prevention measures can further bolster the resilience of the Islamic banking sector, enabling it to play a more dynamic role in contributing to the overall development and welfare of Asian societies. Social implications The findings of this study carry significant social implications, highlighting the need for governments in Asian countries to prioritize public policies that promote good governance and ethical practices within the banking industry. Such policies, coupled with efforts to attract foreign investments and foster a stable and transparent banking sector, have the potential to generate far-reaching positive effects on society. Through economic growth stimulated by a robust Islamic banking sector, Asian countries can create new employment opportunities, improve living standards and ultimately enhance the overall well-being of their citizens. Originality/value This study contributes to the ongoing discourse on Islamic banking stability by offering novel insights and expanding the empirical knowledge base in this field. The dual application of robust regression methodologies – namely, GMM dynamic panel data models – presents a unique analytical framework for investigating the complex interplay between diverse variables and Islamic bank stability. This methodological choice fosters deeper understanding of the dynamic relationships at play, advancing our understanding of how specific factors influence the sector's resilience and performance. In addition, the study uses rigorous empirical techniques and engages with the extant literature to provide fresh perspectives and nuanced interpretations of the findings, further solidifying its contribution to the field's originality and richness.

The moderating role of board diversity on the relationship between ownership structure and real earnings management

PurposeThis study aims to see the moderating effect of board diversity on the relationship between ownership structure and real earnings management.Design/methodology/approachThis study uses unbalanced panel data of 75 listed energy firms (346 firm-year observations) from three South Asian emerging economies (Bangladesh, India, and Pakistan) from 2015 to 2019. The two-step system GMM estimation is used for data analysis. This study also uses fixed effect regression to obtain robust findings.FindingsThe findings show that firms with a greater ownership concentration and managerial ownership significantly reduce real earnings management. In contrast, the data refute the idea that institutional and foreign ownership affect real earnings management. We also find that board diversity interacts significantly with ownership concentration and managerial ownership, meaning that board diversity moderates the negative link of the primary relationship that reduces real earnings management. On the other hand, board diversity has no interaction with institutional and foreign ownership, implying no moderating effect exists on the primary relationship.Originality/valueTo the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is unique research investigating how different ownership structures affect real earnings management in the emerging nations’ energy sector, which the earlier studies overlook. More specifically, this research focuses on how board diversity moderates the relationships between ownership structure and real earnings management, which could be helpful for future investors.

ECONOMIC CONDITIONS OF THE DEMAND FOR INVESTMENT AND WORKING CAPITAL LOANS FOR MICRO-ENTERPRISES – RESEARCH FOR POLAND DURING COVID-19

Aim: The study aims to find an answer to the question of whether and how the economic indicators in the industrial processing, construction, trade, and services sectors reflect changes in the market size related to investments and working capital loans for micro-enterprises. Methods: The study used data on investment and working capital loans and data on economic conditions. Monthly data for the years 2019–2021, covering the period of the COVID-19 pandemic, were used for the analyses. The estimation of dynamic models was carried out using the Generalized Method of Moments (GMM). Results: The conducted research showed that economic factors play a significant role in shaping the demand for investment and working capital loans in the micro-enterprise sector, but the impact of the economic situation was more significant in the case of investment loans than working capital loans. In periods of economic prosperity, micro-enterprises are more likely to take out investment loans than in periods of economic downturn. Micro-enterprises’ propensity to take out working capital loans is more dependent on their current situation and expectations regarding the demand for products and services. Conclusions: The research revealed differences in the characteristics of the factors significantly influencing the demand for credit, depending on the sector to which the indicator is concerned. The research shows that access to external financing is crucial for the functioning, survival, and expansion of micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises. The research fills the literature gap by showing how the economic situation in individual industries affects the credit market for the micro-enterprises sector.

Looking in the rear‐view mirror: Evidence from artificial intelligence investment, labour market conditions and firm growth

AbstractThis paper presents evidence of the impact of AI investment on firm growth and how the relationship is sensitive to labour market conditions. Using the generalized method of moments (GMM) estimation on 1950 unique American firms over 1996–2016, we show that a 10% increase in AI investment leads to an increase in firm growth by 0.04%. However, this result is highly sensitive to labour market conditions, as labour productivity can positively impact firm growth, but labour cost and labour share negatively influence firm growth. These results offer original insights into an essential channel via which investment in AI may mediate firm growth.