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Do independent directors’ scientific achievements matter? Evidence from over-investment of Chinese listed firms

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  • Fang, Minghao
  • Li, Conggang
  • Wang, Wenlan
  • Xu, Rong

Abstract

Based on manually-collected data of Chinese listed firms from 2005 to 2017, we document that scientists who serve as independent directors (SIDs) effectively restrain firm over-investment. This conclusion remains robust after a PSM-DID test, a placebo test, and further control of two-way fixed effects. A policy shock in 2009 had a salient effect of promoting the adoption of SIDs among Chinese listed firms and strengthened their monitoring function. The effect of SIDs is stronger when firms have higher agency costs between management and shareholders, which indicates an agency problem alleviation channel of SIDs.

Suggested Citation

  • Fang, Minghao & Li, Conggang & Wang, Wenlan & Xu, Rong, 2023. "Do independent directors’ scientific achievements matter? Evidence from over-investment of Chinese listed firms," International Review of Economics & Finance, Elsevier, vol. 88(C), pages 107-122.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:reveco:v:88:y:2023:i:c:p:107-122
    DOI: 10.1016/j.iref.2023.05.009
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Independent directors; Industry expertise; Over-investment; Corporate governance;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • G34 - Financial Economics - - Corporate Finance and Governance - - - Mergers; Acquisitions; Restructuring; Corporate Governance
    • M41 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Accounting - - - Accounting

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