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Board of directors' independence and executive compensation disclosure transparency

Author

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  • Walid Ben‐Amar
  • Daniel Zeghal

Abstract

Purpose - This paper aims to investigate the relationship between board of directors' independence and executive compensation disclosures transparency. Design/methodology/approach - The paper examines compensation disclosure practices of a sample of 181 firms listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange. Board independence from management is assessed through an aggregate score which takes into account the proportion of independent directors, board leadership structure (i.e. CEO is the board chairperson), and the existence and independence of board committees. A cross‐sectional regression analysis is used to examine the relationship between board independence and the extent of compensation disclosure. Findings - The paper finds that board independence from management is positively related to the transparency of executive compensation‐related information. In addition, this study documents a positive (negative) relation between firm size, US cross‐listing, growth opportunities (leverage) and the extent of executive compensation disclosure. Research limitations/implications - The study's results provide support to the managerial opportunism hypothesis in executive compensation. These findings highlight the importance of the board of directors as an effective governance mechanism which limits managerial rent‐seeking in the design as well as the disclosure of executive compensation practices. Originality/value - This paper extends prior disclosure studies by examining the impact of board characteristics on the transparency of executive compensation disclosures in a principles‐based governance regime. Furthermore, executive compensation disclosure provides an interesting setting in which to examine the ability of the directors to act independently from managers in a conflict of interests situation.

Suggested Citation

  • Walid Ben‐Amar & Daniel Zeghal, 2011. "Board of directors' independence and executive compensation disclosure transparency," Journal of Applied Accounting Research, Emerald Group Publishing Limited, vol. 12(1), pages 43-60, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:eme:jaarpp:v:12:y:2011:i:1:p:43-60
    DOI: 10.1108/09675421111130603
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    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. Vera Lucia M. Cunha & M. Dinis Mendes, 2017. "Financial Determinants of Corporate Governance Disclosure: Portuguese Evidence," Athens Journal of Business & Economics, Athens Institute for Education and Research (ATINER), vol. 3(1), pages 21-36, January.
    2. Tahseen Mohsan Khan & Safia Nosheen & Naveed ul Haq, 2020. "Corporate governance mechanism and comparative analysis of one-tier and two-tier board structures: evidence from ASEAN countries," International Journal of Disclosure and Governance, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 17(2), pages 61-72, September.
    3. Tinaikar, Surjit, 2017. "Executive compensation disclosure and private control benefits: A comparison of U.S. and Canadian dual class firms," Journal of International Accounting, Auditing and Taxation, Elsevier, vol. 29(C), pages 32-51.

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