Download This PaperCEO Activism and Firm Value
61 Pages Posted: 6 Oct 2020 Last revised: 29 Jul 2021
Date Written: July 29, 2021
Abstract
We investigate the impact of CEO activism, the increasingly common practice of CEOs speaking out on social and political issues, on firm value. CEO activism may be beneficial for shareholders, as it can bolster firms’ relationships with employees and customers. Alternatively, CEO activism may be detrimental if it alienates stakeholders with opposing views. Consistent with the former, we find that CEO activism results in positive market reactions and higher valuations. These results can be explained by increased employee productivity, greater innovation, and a reduced likelihood of employee-related litigation. Notably, activist CEOs are less likely to be fired and benefit from more future directorships.
Keywords: CEO Activism, firm value, productivity, innovation
JEL Classification: G34
Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation
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