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Managerial Networks and Shareholder Value: Evidence from Sudden Deaths

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  • Kirsten Tangaa Nielsen
  • Felix von Meyerinck

Abstract

This paper investigates the causal effect of connections among top executives and directors of different firms on shareholder value using a quasi-natural experiment. Our identification strategy rests on the idea that sudden deaths trigger unexpected and exogenous dissolutions of connections, which enables us to isolate the value of managerial connections by studying stock price reactions at firms where managers connected to a suddenly deceased manager work. Our results show that firms connected to a suddenly deceased manager experience a statistically significant reduction in shareholder value between 1.6 and 2.6 million USD, which is consistent with the notion that managerial connections foster shareholder value. When exploring the cross-sectional variation, we find evidence that connections to inside directors, connections established via previously shared work engagements, and within-industry connections are most valuable.

Suggested Citation

  • Kirsten Tangaa Nielsen & Felix von Meyerinck, 2018. "Managerial Networks and Shareholder Value: Evidence from Sudden Deaths," Working Papers on Finance 1821, University of St. Gallen, School of Finance.
    • Handle: RePEc:usg:sfwpfi:2018:21
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Social networks; Firm value; Sudden death;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • L14 - Industrial Organization - - Market Structure, Firm Strategy, and Market Performance - - - Transactional Relationships; Contracts and Reputation
    • G14 - Financial Economics - - General Financial Markets - - - Information and Market Efficiency; Event Studies; Insider Trading
    • G34 - Financial Economics - - Corporate Finance and Governance - - - Mergers; Acquisitions; Restructuring; Corporate Governance

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