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Do strong corporate governance firms still require political connection, and vice versa?

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  • Shen, Chung-Hua
  • Lin, Chih-Yung
  • Wang, Yu-Chun

Abstract

This study investigates whether a firm with strong corporate governance (CG) requires political connections (PCs), that is, we examine whether CG and PC substitute for or complement each other. Using 71,069 individual bank loan contracts from Taiwan, we examine how loan contracts are affected by CG, PC, or both. Our results show that firms with strong CG focus less on building PC. By contrast, politically connected firms are likely to demonstrate poor governance practices. In addition, favorable bank loan prices reduce when both PC and CG are simultaneously considered. All evidence supports the substitution effect.

Suggested Citation

  • Shen, Chung-Hua & Lin, Chih-Yung & Wang, Yu-Chun, 2015. "Do strong corporate governance firms still require political connection, and vice versa?," International Review of Economics & Finance, Elsevier, vol. 39(C), pages 107-120.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:reveco:v:39:y:2015:i:c:p:107-120
    DOI: 10.1016/j.iref.2015.06.006
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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • G21 - Financial Economics - - Financial Institutions and Services - - - Banks; Other Depository Institutions; Micro Finance Institutions; Mortgages
    • G31 - Financial Economics - - Corporate Finance and Governance - - - Capital Budgeting; Fixed Investment and Inventory Studies
    • 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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