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The relationship between incentive compensation and performance related CEO turnover

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  • Chakraborty, Atreya
  • Sheikh, Shahbaz
  • Subramanian, Narayanan

Abstract

We study the relationship between incentive compensation and performance related CEO turnover. Our theoretical model predicts that the slope of the compensation contract and forced turnover may be complements. Our results support this prediction. We find that incentives and turnover are positively related. This relationship however, varies with the equity ownership of CEOs and does not hold for CEOs who own more than 5% equity. Moreover, this relationship is stronger if the firm under performs its industry. Our results suggest that high-powered incentives may increase the signaling power of performance measures and lead to higher likelihood of turnover.

Suggested Citation

  • Chakraborty, Atreya & Sheikh, Shahbaz & Subramanian, Narayanan, 2009. "The relationship between incentive compensation and performance related CEO turnover," Journal of Economics and Business, Elsevier, vol. 61(4), pages 295-311, July.
  • Handle: RePEc:eee:jebusi:v:61:y::i:4:p:295-311
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    Cited by:

    1. Iwasaki, Ichiro & Ma, Xinxin & Mizobata, Satoshi, 2020. "Corporate ownership and managerial turnover in China and Eastern Europe: A comparative meta-analysis," Journal of Economics and Business, Elsevier, vol. 111(C).
    2. Chen, Zhongdong & Ebrahim, Alireza, 2018. "Turnover threat and CEO risk-taking behavior in the banking industry," Journal of Banking & Finance, Elsevier, vol. 96(C), pages 87-105.
    3. Barontini, Roberto & Bozzi, Stefano, 2018. "Family firm heterogeneity and CEO compensation in Continental Europe," Journal of Economics and Business, Elsevier, vol. 97(C), pages 1-18.
    4. Oxelheim, Lars & Randøy, Trond, 2013. "Globalization of monitoring practices: The case of American influences on the dismissal risk of European CEOs," Journal of Economics and Business, Elsevier, vol. 70(C), pages 3-15.
    5. Hadem, Michael, 2010. "Bedingungen und Konsequenzen des Wechsels von Finanzvorständen - Eine Analyse in großen börsennotierten Unternehmen," EconStor Theses, ZBW - Leibniz Information Centre for Economics, number 43681, July.
    6. Annamaria Menichini & Francesca Toscano, 2016. "Credit Ratings, CEO Entrenchment, and Turnover: The Information Content of Credit Ratings," CSEF Working Papers 459, Centre for Studies in Economics and Finance (CSEF), University of Naples, Italy, revised 18 Mar 2021.

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