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Debt, Incentives and Performance: Evidence from UK Panel Data

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  • Roberta DessÌ
  • Donald Robertson

Abstract

A large body of theoretical literature suggests that capital structure plays an important role as a managerial incentive mechanism. What of the evidence for the agency approach? Cross-sectional empirical studies have identified a positive effect of leverage on expected performance (measured by "Q") for firms with low growth opportunities. However, this evidence does not take into account the endogeneity of capital structure decisions. Our paper investigates the determinants of capital structure and performance, allowing for endogeneity and dynamics. Our results suggest that conclusions reached by previous studies which did not take into account the endogeneity issue should be treated with caution. Copyright 2003 Royal Economic Society.

Suggested Citation

  • Roberta DessÌ & Donald Robertson, 2003. "Debt, Incentives and Performance: Evidence from UK Panel Data," Economic Journal, Royal Economic Society, vol. 113(490), pages 903-919, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:ecj:econjl:v:113:y:2003:i:490:p:903-919
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    Cited by:

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    2. Calcagno, R. & Renneboog, L.D.R., 2004. "Capital Structure and Managerial Compensation : The Effects of Renumeration Seniority," Discussion Paper 2004-120, Tilburg University, Center for Economic Research.
    3. Nur Ainna Ramli & Gilbert Nartea, 2016. "Mediation Effects of Firm Leverage in Malaysia: Partial Least Squares - Structural Equation Modeling," International Journal of Economics and Financial Issues, Econjournals, vol. 6(1), pages 301-307.
    4. Ratnam Vijayakumaran & Sunitha Vijayakumaran, 2019. "Leverage, Debt Maturity and Corporate Performance: Evidence from Chinese Listed Companies," Asian Economic and Financial Review, Asian Economic and Social Society, vol. 9(4), pages 491-506, May.
    5. Chen, Yenn-Ru & Lee, Bong Soo, 2010. "A dynamic analysis of executive stock options: Determinants and consequences," Journal of Corporate Finance, Elsevier, vol. 16(1), pages 88-103, February.
    6. Douglas J. Cumming & J. Ari Pandes & Michael J. Robinson, 2015. "The Role of Agents in Private Entrepreneurial Finance," Entrepreneurship Theory and Practice, , vol. 39(2), pages 345-374, March.
    7. Alan Schwartz, "undated". "A Normative Theory of Business Bankruptcy," American Law & Economics Association Annual Meetings 1037, American Law & Economics Association.
    8. Aggarwal, Raj & Zhao, Xinlei, 2007. "The leverage-value relationship puzzle: An industry effects resolution," Journal of Economics and Business, Elsevier, vol. 59(4), pages 286-297.
    9. Yenn‐Ru Chen, 2008. "Corporate Governance and Cash Holdings: Listed New Economy versus Old Economy Firms," Corporate Governance: An International Review, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 16(5), pages 430-442, September.
    10. Zaheda Daruwala, 2023. "Influence of Financial Leverage on Corporate Profitability: Does it Really Matter?," International Journal of Economics and Financial Issues, Econjournals, vol. 13(4), pages 37-46, July.
    11. Badi H. Baltagi, 2021. "Dynamic Panel Data Models," Springer Texts in Business and Economics, in: Econometric Analysis of Panel Data, edition 6, chapter 0, pages 187-228, Springer.
    12. Abubakr Saeed & Yacine Belghitar & Ephraim Clark, 2017. "Political connections and firm operational efficiencies: evidence from a developing country," Review of Managerial Science, Springer, vol. 11(1), pages 191-224, January.
    13. Vu Hiep Hoang & Manh Dung Tran & Van Hoa Hoang & Thi Thu Cuc Nguyen, 2019. "Capital Structure and Financial Efficiency: Evidence from Ho Chi Minh Stock Exchange of Vietnam," Asian Economic and Financial Review, Asian Economic and Social Society, vol. 9(11), pages 1255-1265, November.
    14. Ramli, Nur Ainna & Latan, Hengky & Solovida, Grace T., 2019. "Determinants of capital structure and firm financial performance—A PLS-SEM approach: Evidence from Malaysia and Indonesia," The Quarterly Review of Economics and Finance, Elsevier, vol. 71(C), pages 148-160.
    15. Pierre Durand, 2018. "Impact du financement par fonds de pension sur la performance des entreprises du CAC 40 ?," Working Papers hal-04141801, HAL.
    16. Ropero Moriones, Eva, 2005. "Limited liability in business groups," DEE - Working Papers. Business Economics. WB wb057617, Universidad Carlos III de Madrid. Departamento de Economía de la Empresa.

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