The Importance of Role-Specific Performance and Sociopolitical Factors for Chief Financial Officer Employment Outcomes

Abstract

This paper investigates the importance of role-specific performance measures and sociopolitical factors in the career paths of CFOs. We find that forced CFO turnover is associated with poor performance in functions over which they have more direct influence, including financial reporting, financing, and regulatory compliance. We also find that CFOs are less likely to be dismissed when they have greater connectedness with the CEO and have stronger influence within the firm. Interestingly, sociopolitical factors are linked with promotion outcomes, but economic performance does not appear to play a significant role. The collective evidence indicates that both economic and sociopolitical factors have an important role in influencing CFO career paths.

Keywords: Executive turnover, CFO performance, sociopolitical factors, social connections, CFO power