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Excess perks in SOEs: evidence from China

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  • Xiaoyi Ren
  • Xing Liu
  • Zongtao Tian

Abstract

In investigating the relationship between economic directors (EDs) and excess perks in state‐owned enterprises (SOEs) in China, we find a U‐shaped relationship between the share of EDs on boards and excess perks, especially in SOEs controlled by local governments and with greater managerial power—as well as in regions with poor legal systems. The share of EDs on boards may have three benefits with respect to reducing the use of excess perks in SOEs: (1) replacing excess perks with monetary wages more aligned with the value of managers; (2) reducing the increase in excessive perks caused by the availability of free cash flow; and (3) reducing the use of excess employees to drive excess perks.

Suggested Citation

  • Xiaoyi Ren & Xing Liu & Zongtao Tian, 2020. "Excess perks in SOEs: evidence from China," Asian-Pacific Economic Literature, The Crawford School, The Australian National University, vol. 34(2), pages 152-165, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:apacel:v:34:y:2020:i:2:p:152-165
    DOI: 10.1111/apel.12300
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