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Directors' and officers' liability insurance and minority shareholders' participation in corporate governance

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  • Ruigang Zhang
  • Runze Yang
  • Hanwen Huo

Abstract

This study empirically investigates the influence of directors' and officers' liability insurance (D&O insurance) on minority shareholders' participation in corporate governance. Using a sample from Chinese A‐share listed companies between 2011 and 2018, we find that D&O insurance can significantly decrease the participation of minority shareholders, and this conclusion remains valid after robustness checks. The mechanism analysis demonstrates that D&O insurance plays a positive role in diminishing minority shareholders' participation through the enhancement of firm performance. Further analyses suggest that the negative association between D&O insurance and minority shareholders' participation is more pronounced in firms with weaker corporate governance practices. These findings provide evidence for the supervisory governance role of D&O insurance, suggesting China should consider encouraging listed companies to purchase D&O insurance for the protection of minority shareholders.

Suggested Citation

  • Ruigang Zhang & Runze Yang & Hanwen Huo, 2025. "Directors' and officers' liability insurance and minority shareholders' participation in corporate governance," International Journal of Finance & Economics, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 30(2), pages 1106-1123, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:wly:ijfiec:v:30:y:2025:i:2:p:1106-1123
    DOI: 10.1002/ijfe.2961
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    References listed on IDEAS

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