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Analyzing the Link Between Agency Problems, Governance and Control Attributes for Pakistan

Author

Listed:
  • Ghazali Ahmad

    (Business School, Superior University, Lahore & Lecturer at University of Gujrat, email: ahmad.ghazali@uog.edu.pk.)

  • Bilal Ahmad Raza

    (Business School, Superior University, Lahore)

Abstract

This research attempts to analyze the relationship between agency, control and corporate governance attributes for a sample of 267 firms listed on the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) from 2005 to 2008. The results show that a) Pakistani listed firms are facing high agency costs problems in contrast to established markets. b) Factors are observed important to having strong effect on mitigating agency costs levels: corporate dividend policy, degree of board independence, and institutional ownership. c) Corporate governance factors reduce discretionary expenditure ratio, increase assets utilization ratio and free cash flow ratio. d) Control variables increases the asset utilization ratio and decreases the free cash flow and increases the managers’ performance (Tobin’s Q ratio). e) Ownership attributes regulate free cash flow and decrease the discretionary expenditure ratio. The outcomes of this research lead to the proposed use of recommended governance, control and ownership attributes to overcome agency problems and a sound policy for better corporate governance (better management of agency cost issues) for listed firms.

Suggested Citation

  • Ghazali Ahmad & Bilal Ahmad Raza, 2017. "Analyzing the Link Between Agency Problems, Governance and Control Attributes for Pakistan," Financial Internet Quarterly (formerly e-Finanse), Sciendo, vol. 13(3), pages 43-65, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:vrs:finiqu:v:13:y:2017:i:3:p:43-65:n:2
    DOI: 10.1515/fiqf-2016-0029
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    corporate governance; performance; agency cost; ownership; pakistan stock exchange;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • G30 - Financial Economics - - Corporate Finance and Governance - - - General
    • G32 - Financial Economics - - Corporate Finance and Governance - - - Financing Policy; Financial Risk and Risk Management; Capital and Ownership Structure; Value of Firms; Goodwill

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