External Networking and Internal Firm Governance
50 Pages Posted: 14 Aug 2008 Last revised: 5 Feb 2015
Date Written: 2012
Abstract
We use panel data on S&P 1500 companies to identify external network connections between directors and CEOs. We find that firms with more powerful CEOs are more likely to appoint directors with ties to the CEO. Using changes in board composition due to director death and retirement for identification, we find that CEO-director ties reduce firm value, particularly in the absence of other governance mechanisms to substitute for board oversight. Moreover, firms with more CEO-director ties engage in more value-destroying acquisitions. Overall, our results suggest that network ties with the CEO weaken the intensity of board monitoring.
Keywords: Corporate Governance, Social Networks, Board Selection, Mergers and Acquisitions, Firm Value
JEL Classification: G34, L14
Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation
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