Influence Of Board Characteristics Research Articles

Analyzing the Influence of Board Characteristics on Corporate Disclosure Practices: Insights from Listed Companies in Palestine

The objective of this research is to investigate how board characteristics impact the disclosure practices of corporations. The study applies it to listed companies in Palestine for the year 2023. The findings reveal a positive and significant correlation between corporate disclosure practices and specific board characteristics, such as board size, the presence of a governance committee, board insider representation, and the separation of CEO and Chairman of the Board (COB-duality). Furthermore, the study shows that the implementation of internal control governance mechanisms is associated with the highest level of corporate disclosure practices. In summary, the research highlights the influence of board composition and governance mechanisms on the transparency and extent of disclosures made by Palestinian listed companies.

Aggressive CSR strategy and CSR awarding: managerial opportunism versus social activism

PurposeDespite the extensive body of research on absolute corporate social responsibility (CSR) performance, limited attention has been given to the distinct concepts of optimal and aggressive CSR engagement, as well as their associations with CSR awarding. This study aims to differentiate between optimal and aggressive CSR engagement and examine their relationship with CSR awarding while considering the moderating influence of board characteristics from the perspectives of stakeholder and agency theories.Design/methodology/approachThis empirical analysis draws on an international dataset comprising 43,803 observations from nine sectors across 41 countries. We employ a least squares dummy variable regression approach that accounts for country, industry and year effects to conduct the analysis.FindingsThe results reveal that engagement in aggressive CSR activities beyond the optimal level leads to the generation of a social reputation through CSR awarding. However, the influence of board characteristics on this relationship is significant. Specifically, the presence of a dedicated CSR committee encourages CSR awarding in the context of aggressive CSR engagement. Conversely, board independence constrains the relationship between aggressive CSR engagement and CSR awarding. Notably, board gender diversity does not have a discernible impact on this connection.Practical implicationsOur evidence provides valuable insights to help firms seeking to enhance their social reputation through CSR activities better allocate their resources and avoid unnecessary financial commitments.Originality/valueThis study advances the current understanding by exploring the relationship between aggressive CSR engagement and the recognition of CSR awards. Furthermore, it scrutinises the factors that dictate when such aggressive CSR engagement translates into enhanced social reputation, as evidenced by the attainment of CSR awards.

The Influence of Board Characteristics on Corporate Social Performance

This paper explores the relationship between relevant board characteristics and the corporate social performance represented by the Social pillar of ESG scores. By applying the generalised method of moments (GMM) system version of the Arellano-Bond estimator, we analyse the 50 biggest and most traded companies in the Eurozone from 2015 to 2022. Our empirical evidence shows that more gender-diverse and independent boards, as well as the presence of a CSR sustainability committee, enhance corporate social performance. These results are largely confirmed by investigating the four sub-pillars of Social score, i.e. Human Rights, Workforce, Product Responsibility, and Community. To our knowledge, this paper is the first to highlight how high corporate governance standards positively affect the Social pillar in the Euro Stoxx 50 index context. Our findings provide important implications for several stakeholders, including regulators and policymakers. Increasing attention should be paid to board characteristics to improve corporate social performance.

How do board characteristics influence the ESG disclosure in Indonesia?

Our study investigates the influence of board characteristics on ESG disclosure for companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange listed  from to 2018-2022. This study analyzes independent board members, board size, gender diversity, and audit committee independence as determinants of ESG disclosure in Indonesia’s public companies. The data were derived from Thompson Reuters and multiple linear regression was used to test the effects. The results showed that gender diversity was the only factor that was not significant. Independent commissionaires and board size positively affect ESG disclosure. Meanwhile, audit committee independence negatively and significantly affects ESG disclosure. Although ESG disclosure practices are still uncommon in Indonesia, the importance of board characteristics can be determined based on the results.

Ethical governance and the board’s moderating role in Zakat avoidance effects on firm value in muslim nations

PurposeThis paper aims to examine the impact of Zakat avoidance on firm value and investigates how board characteristics moderate this relationship within the context of Saudi Arabia, a Muslim nation.Design/methodology/approachUsing panel data from 2009 to 2020, encompassing 78 nonfinancial firms listed on the Saudi Stock Exchange, this study constructs an enhanced measure of Zakat avoidance that integrates insights from tax avoidance research, Shariah principles and the regulations of the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority. This research uses empirical techniques, including panel data regressions and interaction analysis to investigate how board characteristics may influence this relationship.FindingsDescriptive analysis reveals pervasive Zakat compliance, underscoring the effectiveness of Saudi Arabia’s robust Zakat system. Regression results indicate a positive association between Zakat payment and firm value. Remarkably, board characteristics exhibit no significant link to Zakat avoidance, emphasizing the potency of the Zakat system and religious adherence. However, the moderation analysis reveals that board independence and meeting frequency positively moderate the relationship between Zakat avoidance and firm value.Practical implicationsThe study emphasizes the vital importance of upholding Zakat obligations to cultivate trust among stakeholders and amplify firm value. It advocates for governance frameworks that foster vigilant oversight and independence, ultimately enhancing a firm’s overall worth. Furthermore, the study’s findings provide valuable insights for corporate leaders, investors, policymakers and society as a whole, facilitating the promotion of ethical financial conduct and driving holistic economic development.Originality/valueThis research introduces novel insights by scrutinizing the intricate interplay of Zakat avoidance, board dynamics and firm value within the context of a culturally distinctive emerging economy. The development of a distinct Zakat avoidance metric, along with comprehensive empirical assessment, contributes to the originality of the study. Moreover, the investigation into the moderating influence of board characteristics adds value to the existing body of knowledge.

Board characteristics and integrated reporting in an emerging market: evidence from India

PurposeThis paper aims to examine the influence of board characteristics on the integrated reporting quality (IRQ) of Indian-listed companies.Design/methodology/approachThe study uses a sample of 197 firms from the BSE 500 for the years 2017–2018 to 2019–2020. The proposed hypotheses are tested using two-stage least squares regression.FindingsThe study documents a positive influence of board size, board independence and gender diversity on IRQ. The study also finds that board activity and role duality are insignificant with IRQ. Among the firm-specific characteristics, variables such as firm size, profitability and capital intensity positively influence IRQ.Originality/valueThe current study presents the first investigation in the context of India on the various board characteristics influencing IRQ. The study reiterates the role that gender-diverse boards have in improving information transparency. Policymakers can therefore drive adoption by recommending changes in board characteristics and increasing the quota for women on boards.

The Influence of Board Characteristics on Integrated Reporting Disclosure among Public Listed Companies in Malaysia

The Influence of Board Characteristics on Integrated Reporting Disclosure among Public Listed Companies in Malaysia

The effects of board characteristics and firm size on firm value and financial performance

This research was conducted to see the influence of board characteristics, the firm size on firm value, and financial performance on companies with completed mergers and acquisitions on the Indonesian stock exchange. This study was used to look at financial performance, specifically in 7 years after the company made a merger from 2013-2020. This research instrument uses quantitative analysis data by testing predetermined hypotheses. The study also found that not all variables significantly impact the company's firm value and financial performance when conducting mergers. The main finding is that the more excellent board characteristic of the merger company will result in no improvement in the company's financial performance; this is due to a large number of improper decision-making actions because the rules issued by the board hinders it.

Corporate Environmental Information Disclosure in India: Role of Board Characteristics

This research paper intends to observe the influence of board characteristics, namely, Board Size (BS), Board Independence (BI), Board meetings (BM), CEO duality (CD), firm-size (FS), Tobin Q, and ROAon environmental information disclosure. Environmental information has been measured through their availability in annual reports of particular companies. We have used panel data of 60 environmentally most polluted companies listed on the Bombay Stock Exchange from 2017 to 2021. The data has been analyzed using a regression model and tested through the feasible generalized least square (FGLS) regression technique. Our study indicates that Board Size (BS), CEO duality (CO), Board Meetings (BM), Tobin Q & ROAhave a substantial influence on environmental information disclosure, whereas board independence and size of firms do not influence environmental information disclosure. Agency theory discusses that board size (BS) has a negative association with environmental information, but it opposes the empirical work of Ezhilarasi & Kabra (2017) & Pareek et.al. (2019).Further, Al-Janadi et al. (2012) argue that CEO Duality (CD) and environmental information disclosure have significantly positively linked. The study recommends that environmental information disclosure is obligatory, specifically for environmentally sensitive companies in their periodic reports. In addition, governmental establishments should offer a transparent and standard guideline on disclosing environmental information to ensure responsible business.

The Missing Link? A Meta-Analysis of Board Processes and Their Mediating Role

Scholars and practitioners alike are interested in understanding what distinguishes well-functioning boards of directors from malfunctioning ones. One way to further this understanding is through the study of social-psychological processes inside the boardroom. These board processes are assumed to translate the influence of board characteristics into board effectiveness and may provide an often-referenced missing link to inconsistent findings of the characteristic-effectiveness relationship. Our meta-analysis of 84 board process studies is the first explicit examination of this assumption. Using one-stage meta-analytic structural equation modeling, we show that board processes are not per se the missing link that explains why characteristics impact effectiveness. Instead, on a bivariate level, most characteristics are only weakly or not at all related to board processes whereas board processes strongly relate to board effectiveness. Path model results show that board processes independently influence board effectiveness and that board processes only mediate the effect of board capital on board effectiveness.

To green or not to green: The influence of board characteristics on carbon emissions

We analyze how board characteristics affect a company’s carbon emissions besides further firm-related and cultural variables, using data on over 6,000 companies located in 46 countries for the period 2009–2019. We identify the boards that are more skilled or have a higher share of female members to emit a lower amount of greenhouse gases. Surprisingly, high CSR board efforts show higher carbon emissions. We observe that the importance of time varying effects within a company changed as a consequence of the Paris Agreement in 2015.

Board characteristics and sustainability reporting: a case of listed firms in East Africa

PurposeThis study aims to investigate the influence of board characteristics on sustainability reporting among listed firms in East Africa.Design/methodology/approachThe study uses a sample of 79 listed firms drawn from East African securities exchanges and data from 2011 to 2020. Sustainability reporting is measured using Global Reporting Initiative, and the data is analyzed by using three-panel data estimation models – fixed effect, random effect and the generalized method of moments.FindingsThe results reveal that board gender diversity, board financial expertise and board independence are positively and significantly associated with sustainability reporting. Conversely, board size has a negative and significant effect on sustainability reporting.Practical implicationsThe findings from the study provide valuable insights to firm owners and policymakers. The study highlights the importance of directors with financial knowledge, a high proportion of non-executive directors and women representation in board and smaller boards as a strategy that will help firms improve sustainability practices and reporting in East Africa.Social implicationsResults of this study underscore the effect of corporate governance (CG) dimensions on social responsibility activities, such as philanthropy, emission reduction and waste management initiatives as reported through sustainability responsibility.Originality/valueThis study adds to the growing literature on the relationship between CG attributes and sustainability reporting from a developing economy perspective. Specifically, the study examines how board gender diversity, size, independence and financial expertise affect sustainability reporting adoption.

Board Characteristics and Risk Disclosure Quality by Integrated Reporters : Evidence from Indian Banks

This study aimed to analyze the influence of board characteristics on the quality of risk disclosures in integrated annual reports of banks in India. Integrated reports support organizations in controlling risks, identifying opportunities, connecting risks with business policies, developing business models, and contributing to the value creation process. In February 2017, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) recommended the adoption of an integrated reporting (IR) framework by the top 500 companies in India on a voluntary basis from 2017–18. Considering the relevance of integrated reporting and its underlying benefits to various stakeholders, banks have primarily adopted the IR framework and started publishing their annual reports in line with the IR principles. Using content analysis on the sample of 30 banks listed on the National Stock Exchange (NSE) in India, the efficacy of risk disclosures, the outlook orientation (past, present, and future), approaches to risk (positive, neutral, and negative) were investigated, and the influence of attributes of board of directors on the quality of risk disclosure was examined. On examining 4,183 sentences concerning risk disclosures by Indian banks, the results showed a positive relationship between board size, diversity, independence, meetings, and education background in accounting/finance with risk disclosure quality (RDQ). Also, it was found that integrated reporters tended to disclose more risks and suggested ways to mitigate those risks compared to non-adopters.

To green or not to green: The influence of board characteristics on carbon emissions

To green or not to green: The influence of board characteristics on carbon emissions

ESG Disclosure in an Emerging Market: An Empirical Analysis of the Influence of Board Characteristics and Ownership Structure

In the context of greater demand for corporate transparency, there is a growing pressure on boards to produce and communicate information to their investors and stakeholders. The current literature on integrated reporting shows that the provision of ESG information is a crucial factor that improves corporate governance by reducing agency problems. This issue is also critical in emerging economies, and particularly among Latin American firms. The concentration, opacity, and lack of evidence about ESG disclosure in less developed financial markets provide a promising environment to study the implications of board heterogeneity and ownership structure on strategic corporate decisions such as the disclosure of ESG indicators in developing economies. Using Tobit panel data models, we study how these factors affect the extent of ESG disclosure by Chilean listed firms. Our main results suggest that a board’s independence and gender diversity positively influence the extent of disclosure of ESG indicators. Our evidence helps firms concerned with strengthening their board’s features, investors that require screening firms’ ESG risk factors, and supports regulators’ decisions on setting norms regarding the extent of disclosure of ESG information by firms.

Integrated reporting and board characteristics: evidence from top Australian listed companies

PurposeDrawing upon agency theory, this study analyses the influence of board characteristics on integrated reporting (IR) for the top 50 companies listed on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX50). Focus is placed on IR at the aggregate level as well as its separate components, namely Future Opportunities and Risks (FOPRI), Governance and Strategy (GOVSTR), Performance (PERF), Overview and Business Model (OBM) and General Preparation and Presentation (GPP).Design/methodology/approachA checklist is devised based on the IIRC (International Integrated Reporting Council) framework to track companies' disclosures for the period from 1st July 2014 to 30th June 2017. Regression analysis is used to investigate the determinants (board size, board independence, activity of the board, gender diversity, firm size, profitability and growth opportunities) of IR and its separate components.FindingsThe findings indicate a significant and positive effect of board independence on the aggregate IR index, FOPRI and GPP. A negative and significant association is found between activity of the board and both the aggregate IR index and its separate components, including GOVSTR, PERF and GPP. Additionally, the aggregate IR index is significantly related to firm size, profitability and growth opportunities.Research limitations/implicationsThe limited sample of 50 companies over three years is the main limitation of the study. The study suffers from an inherent limitation from the use of content analysis in assessing the level of IR. No checklist to measure the level of IR can be fully exhaustive. Furthermore, we focus on whether an item in the checklist is disclosed, using a dichotomous scale, thus ignoring the quality of information disclosed.Practical implicationsThe study has several practical implications. From a managerial perspective, it shows that having more board meetings harms the level of IR. The results can guide regulators, such as the Australian Securities and Investment Commission (ASIC) and the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX), when drafting new regulations/guidelines/listing rules. If regulators aim for a higher level of integration in the reports, they know which “triggers to pull” to attain their target. Our results can guide regulators to choose the appropriate trigger among various alternatives. For instance, if a higher level of integrated reporting is desired, size instead of profitability should be chosen. Finally, ASX listed companies can use our checklist as a scorecard for their self-assessment.Originality/valueThis research is the first to investigate IR by devising a checklist based on IIRC (2013) along with an additional GPP component in the ASX context. Using separate models to examine each component of the aggregate IR index is also unique to this study. The study also brings to the fore the role of gender-diverse boards in promoting IR. It reiterates the debate about imposing a quota for better gender representation on boards.

The influence of board characteristics on environmental performance: evidence from East Asian manufacturing industries

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to examine the influence of board characteristics on environmental performance in manufacturing firms of the emerging East Asian markets. The authors adopt a triple perspective of environmental performance that focusses on three major environmental areas including resource reduction, emission reduction and product innovation.Design/methodology/approachThe authors consider three main board characteristics, namely, board size, board independence and board leadership structure, and investigate their impacts on a multidimensional construct of environmental performance. Specifically, both linear and quadratic functions are applied to address a possibility of the non-linear relationship between board size and environmental performance. The authors use fixed-effects estimations on a sample of manufacturing firms in the emerging East Asian countries between 2011 and 2016.FindingsThe study explores an inverse U-shaped relationship between board size and environmental performance. The authors also reveal that manufacturing firms are more likely to have better environmental performance when the proportion of independent directors on board increases. However, the separation of CEO and board chair roles has no impact on environmental performance.Practical implicationsThe findings have important implications by identifying the role of a board of directors in implementing environmental protection strategies and by providing a foundation for corporate efforts to enhance sustainable development.Originality/valueThe study provides complete understanding of environmental performance as a multidimensional construct and sheds light on the influence of board characteristics, especially the inverse U-shaped influence of board size, on environmental performance in the East Asian manufacturing industries.

The effect of ownership structure and board characteristics on auditor choice: evidence from Egypt

In this study, we explore the influence of board characteristics and ownership structure on auditor choice decisions in less strictly legal environments, like Egypt. Using a large sample of 899 firm-year observations for the period of 2011 to 2019, we employed logistic and probit regressions. We find that larger boards, institutional ownership, and foreign ownership have a significant and positive association with appointing Big 4 auditors. In contrast, our findings indicate that CEO duality and family ownership are negatively related to Big 4 choice. Our results also show that powerful CEOs (duality) and independent directors are more likely to hire second-tier auditors instead of Big 4, whereas larger board and foreign owners are less likely to hire third-tier auditors. Our results remain robust even after taking audit committee characteristics and endogeneities issues into consideration. Taken together, our research, therefore, provides consistent evidence that different governance and institutional variables can effectively generate economic forces that can support diverging decisions regarding the auditor choice patterns to attenuate agency problems. Our results have important implications for regulators, policymakers, and auditors to understand the drivers of auditor choice and audit market structure.

Board Characteristics and Islamic Bank Performance

This study examines the influence of board characteristics on bank performance with size as the moderating variable. The study was performed on Sharia Commercial Bank (BUS, Bank Umum Syariah) in Indonesia for period 2010-2019. This study used samples of 127 BUS-year observation. The data was analyzed by applying ordinary least square method and was processed by Warp-PLS application. Board characteristics is served as proxy variables with board of directors size, board of directors meetings and female board of directors, while bank performance is served as a proxy with Return On Asset. The result conveyed that female directors in the board and board of directors meeting affect positively and significantly over Return On Asset. However, the impact of board of directors size is insignificant on Return On Asset. Furthermore, the result showed that size moderates negativity and significance of board of directors influence and board of directors meeting on Return On Asset. However, size is insignificant in moderating the influence of female directors in the board over Return On Asset.

The impact of board characteristics on corporate investment decisions: an empirical study

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to investigate the influence of board characteristics on firms’ investment decisions.Design Methodology ApproachThe study used data sourced from annual reports of firms listed on the Ghana Stock Exchange from 2014 to 2018. Descriptive analysis was performed to provide the background statistics of the variables examined. This was followed by a regression analysis which forms the main data analysis.FindingsThe multiple regression analysis results indicated that the proportion of independent directors and financial experts on the board are negatively related to firm investment. These findings imply that independent directors and financial experts on the board can help firms reduce overinvestment and improve investment efficiency.Originality ValueThe extant literature shows that the board of directors are an effective mechanism to reduce agency problems in firm decisions and operating performance. However, there has been little research on the role of the board of directors in corporate investment policy.