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The effects of employee stock ownership on stock liquidity: Evidence from the Korean market

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  • Jung, Hail
  • Choi, Sanghak

Abstract

This study investigates the relationship between the level of employee stock ownership (ESO) and stock liquidity. Using Korean ESO data, we find that ESO is positively associated with various liquidity measures. Stock-owning employees tend to mitigate information asymmetry to increase their benefits from the transparent market. We also find stronger effects when the firm is not an affiliate of a chaebol family group, and is less monitored by financial analysts, foreign investors, and outside directors. Furthermore, we employ various robustness tests to mitigate potential endogeneity concerns.

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  • Jung, Hail & Choi, Sanghak, 2021. "The effects of employee stock ownership on stock liquidity: Evidence from the Korean market," The North American Journal of Economics and Finance, Elsevier, vol. 58(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:ecofin:v:58:y:2021:i:c:s1062940821000917
    DOI: 10.1016/j.najef.2021.101468
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    2. Zhao, Wandi & Gao, Yang & Wang, Mingjin, 2022. "Measuring liquidity with return volatility: An analytical approach based on heavy-tailed Censored-GARCH model," The North American Journal of Economics and Finance, Elsevier, vol. 62(C).

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