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Family ownership, corporate governance, and top executive compensation

Author

Listed:
  • Suwina Cheng

    (University of Bath, UK)

  • Michael Firth

    (School of Accounting and Finance, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong)

Abstract

In this study we investigate how top management pay is determined in a family firm environment where even listed firms are effectively controlled by a single individual or a single family. Using data from Hong Kong, we find that executive directors' pay is reduced if the directors have substantial stockholdings. Moreover, pay is related to profits but not to stock returns. Our results are consistent with external blockholders and independent non-executive directors persuading firms to base top management compensation on a firm's profitability. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Suggested Citation

  • Suwina Cheng & Michael Firth, 2006. "Family ownership, corporate governance, and top executive compensation," Managerial and Decision Economics, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 27(7), pages 549-561.
    • Handle: RePEc:wly:mgtdec:v:27:y:2006:i:7:p:549-561
    DOI: 10.1002/mde.1273
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

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    2. Sven-Olof Yrjö Collin & Yuliya Ponomareva & Sara Ottosson & Nina Sundberg, 2017. "Governance strategy and costs: board compensation in Sweden," Journal of Management & Governance, Springer;Accademia Italiana di Economia Aziendale (AIDEA), vol. 21(3), pages 685-713, September.
    3. Inês Pinto & Ana Isabel Morais, 2022. "Classification of Equity Instruments under IFRS 9: Determinants and Consequences," Australian Accounting Review, CPA Australia, vol. 32(4), pages 411-426, December.
    4. Mike W. Peng & Sunny Li Sun & Lívia Markóczy, 2015. "Human Capital and CEO Compensation during Institutional Transitions," Journal of Management Studies, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 52(1), pages 117-147, January.
    5. Jaiswall, Sudhir Shiv Kumar & Bhattacharyya, Asish Kumar, 2016. "Corporate governance and CEO compensation in Indian firms," Journal of Contemporary Accounting and Economics, Elsevier, vol. 12(2), pages 159-175.
    6. Mukhtaruddin Mukhtaruddin & M. Adam & Isnurhadi Isnurhadi & Luk Luk Fuadah, 2020. "Implementation of Social Culture in Corporate Governance: A Literature Study," International Journal of Financial Research, International Journal of Financial Research, Sciedu Press, vol. 11(1), pages 293-306, January.
    7. Nkiendem Felix & Douanla Jean & Innocent Essomme & Nchitu Polycarpe Asah & Roland N Gahmuti, 2018. "Managerial Compensation and Firm Performance in Cameroon Microfinance Institutions [Rémunération de la direction et performance des entreprises dans les Institutions de microfinance au Cameroun]," Post-Print hal-02558799, HAL.
    8. Manika Kohli, 2018. "Impact of Ownership Type and Board Characteristics on the Pay–Performance Relationship: Evidence from India," Indian Journal of Corporate Governance, , vol. 11(1), pages 1-34, June.
    9. Wei Ting & Sin-Hui Yen & Sheng-Shih Huang, 2009. "Top Management Compensation, Earnings Management And Default Risk: Insights From The Chinese Stock Market," The International Journal of Business and Finance Research, The Institute for Business and Finance Research, vol. 3(1), pages 31-46.
    10. Chee Yoong Liew & YoungKyung Ko & Bee Lian Song & Saraniah Thechina Murthy, 2022. "Directors’ compensation, ownership concentration and the value of the firm: evidence from an emerging market," Economia e Politica Industriale: Journal of Industrial and Business Economics, Springer;Associazione Amici di Economia e Politica Industriale, vol. 49(1), pages 155-188, March.
    11. Leung, Sidney & Srinidhi, Bin & Lobo, Gerald, 2012. "Family control and idiosyncratic volatility: Evidence from listed firms in Hong Kong," Journal of Contemporary Accounting and Economics, Elsevier, vol. 8(1), pages 39-52.
    12. Pattarin Adithipyangkul & H. Y. Hung & T. Y. Leung, 2021. "An Auditor's Perspective of Executive Incentive Pay and Dividend Payouts in Family Firms," Journal of Family and Economic Issues, Springer, vol. 42(4), pages 697-714, December.
    13. Wang, Kun Tracy & Shailer, Greg, 2017. "Family ownership and financial performance relations in emerging markets," International Review of Economics & Finance, Elsevier, vol. 51(C), pages 82-98.

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