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Trust in Founders

Author

Listed:
  • Jagannathan, Murali
  • Myers, Brett W.
  • Niu, Xu

Abstract

Do employees trust founders more than professional managers? We explore this question with employee actions that are indicative of their distrust in management. We document significant differences in unionization efforts, labor strikes, and unfair labor practice (ULP) complaints between founder-managed firms and professionally managed firms. We posit that these differences stem from the predictability of corporate culture in founder firms and the alignment of interests between founders and employees. Although we employ various methods to establish causation, drawing definitive conclusions regarding employee trust in management is challenging due to the vastly different characteristics of founder-led firms compared to professionally managed firms.

Suggested Citation

  • Jagannathan, Murali & Myers, Brett W. & Niu, Xu, 2025. "Trust in Founders," Journal of Banking & Finance, Elsevier, vol. 178(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jbfina:v:178:y:2025:i:c:s0378426625001347
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jbankfin.2025.107514
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • G32 - Financial Economics - - Corporate Finance and Governance - - - Financing Policy; Financial Risk and Risk Management; Capital and Ownership Structure; Value of Firms; Goodwill
    • G34 - Financial Economics - - Corporate Finance and Governance - - - Mergers; Acquisitions; Restructuring; Corporate Governance

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