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Boards: Independent and Committed Directors?

Author

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  • Gantenbein, Pascal

    (University of Basel)

  • Volonté, Christophe

    (University of Basel)

Abstract

Regulators and shareholders are calling for independent directors. Independent directors, however, have numerous external professional commitments. Using To- bin's Q as an approximation of market valuation and controlling for endogeneity, our empirical analysis reveals that neither external commitments are negatively related to firm performance nor is independence positively related to it. However, more precise analyses show that executive directors and family representatives have a positive relationship with Tobin's Q. In contrast, external executives are negatively correlated with firm valuation. Moreover, the study indicates that the frequency and duration of meetings are negatively affected by the fraction of executive directors on the board. Insiders potentially reduce the need for meetings because of their specialist competence. The results invalidate rules advocating independent directors and oppose the engagement of directors with external commitments.

Suggested Citation

  • Gantenbein, Pascal & Volonté, Christophe, 2011. "Boards: Independent and Committed Directors?," Working papers 2011/12, Faculty of Business and Economics - University of Basel.
  • Handle: RePEc:bsl:wpaper:2011/12
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    2. Reguera-Alvarado, Nuria & Bravo, Francisco, 2017. "The effect of independent directors’ characteristics on firm performance: Tenure and multiple directorships," Research in International Business and Finance, Elsevier, vol. 41(C), pages 590-599.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Corporate governance: Board of directors; Board independence; Board busyness; External commitments;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • G30 - Financial Economics - - Corporate Finance and Governance - - - General
    • G34 - Financial Economics - - Corporate Finance and Governance - - - Mergers; Acquisitions; Restructuring; Corporate Governance
    • K22 - Law and Economics - - Regulation and Business Law - - - Business and Securities Law

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