Authors: Switzer, Lorne N.¹; Kelly, Catherine²

Source: International Journal of Business Governance and Ethics, Volume 2, Numbers 3-4, 19 October 2006 , pp. 294-328(35)

Publisher: Inderscience Publishers

Abstract:

Identifying corporate governance mechanisms to improve firm performance has been at the forefront of policy discussion and research in recent years. Existing research in this area focuses on large-capitalisation firms, and has not provided much insight on smaller firms. This paper tests for the optimality of deployment of governance mechanisms for Canadian small-cap firms by estimating a simultaneous equation system that links four control mechanisms to firm performance, using recent data. The results confirm simultaneity between several governance mechanisms and Canadian small-cap firm performance. CEO ownership and shareholder rights are shown to determine board independence. CEO ownership in turn is shown to depend on the extent of shareholder rights and whether the CEO is also Chairperson of the board. Canadian small-cap firms appear to overutilise debt as a control mechanism. There is somewhat weaker evidence that board independence and CEO ownership are beyond the optimum. The latter, given the relatively high degree of CEO ownership in Canadian small-cap firms, is consistent with management entrenchment. We also do not find any significant discount to performance for Quebec-based firms, or for firms with dual or multiple voting class shares structures.

Keywords: MANAGEMENT JOURNALS; Business Administration

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1504/IJBGE.2006.011160

Affiliations: 1: Finance Department, John Molson School of Business, Concordia University, Montreal, Quebec, H3G 1M8, Canada. 2: Finance Department, John Molson School of Business, Concordia University, Montreal, Quebec, H3G 1M8, Canada

Publication date: 2006-10-19

More about this publication?

• The International Journal of Business Governance and Ethics aims to critically explore business and managerial strategies, actions, responsibilities and accountabilities for survival in a highly transparent and dynamic global world.
• Information for Authors
• Submit a Paper
• Subscribe to this Title
• Terms & Conditions
• Newsletter
• Blog
• ingentaconnect is not responsible for the content or availability of external websites

Related content

• In this: publication
• By this: publisher
• In this Subject: Business ,  Philosophy
• By this author: Switzer, Lorne N. ;  Kelly, Catherine

Website © Publishing Technology. Article copyright remains with the publisher, society or author(s) as specified within the article.

• Terms and conditions
• Privacy policy
• Information for advertisers