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Organizational capital and stock performance during Crises: Moderating role of generalist CEO

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  • Chase Lee, Chaeho
  • Atukeren, Erdal
  • Kim, Hohyun

Abstract

This study examines the relationship between organizational capital (OC) and stock performance during the two recent crisis periods, namely the GFC and COVID-19. Economic crises highlight the sustainable competitiveness of firms, providing an opportunity to identify the role of OC. OC is intangible capital that encompasses intrinsic business processes and expertise, facilitating more efficient resource utilization than competitors. Results show that a greater OC is significantly associated with higher stock returns during both crisis periods. The association is robust to the models with firm-fixed effects and instrumental variables. In addition, we find evidence that generalist CEOs strengthen this relationship while specialist CEOs do not. This study emphasizes the pivotal role of OC as a protective buffer against external shocks, particularly during periods when the market pays more attention to corporate sustainability.

Suggested Citation

  • Chase Lee, Chaeho & Atukeren, Erdal & Kim, Hohyun, 2025. "Organizational capital and stock performance during Crises: Moderating role of generalist CEO," The North American Journal of Economics and Finance, Elsevier, vol. 75(PA).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:ecofin:v:75:y:2025:i:pa:s1062940824001992
    DOI: 10.1016/j.najef.2024.102274
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Organization Capital; Economic Crisis; Stock Return; Generalist CEO; Specialist CEO;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • G01 - Financial Economics - - General - - - Financial Crises
    • G11 - Financial Economics - - General Financial Markets - - - Portfolio Choice; Investment Decisions
    • G32 - Financial Economics - - Corporate Finance and Governance - - - Financing Policy; Financial Risk and Risk Management; Capital and Ownership Structure; Value of Firms; Goodwill
    • M12 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Business Administration - - - Personnel Management; Executives; Executive Compensation

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