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Why Private Firms Misbehave: An empirical investigation of organizational misconduct

Author

Listed:
  • Kentaro ASAI
  • Mitsuhiro HARADA
  • Katsuyuki KUBO
  • Daisuke MIYAKAWA
  • Junichi YAMANOI
  • Masaki YANAOKA

Abstract

Although private firms are not subject to discipline from capital markets, it remains unclear what factors deter them from engaging in organizational misconduct. Despite their numerical dominance, there is limited empirical evidence on misconduct by private firms and its antecedents. Using a unique dataset of administrative dispositions, representing the occurrence of organizational misconduct among Japanese private small- and medium-sized construction companies from 2010 to 2024, we empirically examine the factors that lead to such misconduct. Our analysis reveals that more mature firms and smaller firms are less likely to engage in organizational misconduct. Furthermore, we find that family firms are more prone to misconduct when they experience strong financial performance.

Suggested Citation

  • Kentaro ASAI & Mitsuhiro HARADA & Katsuyuki KUBO & Daisuke MIYAKAWA & Junichi YAMANOI & Masaki YANAOKA, 2025. "Why Private Firms Misbehave: An empirical investigation of organizational misconduct," Discussion papers 25086, Research Institute of Economy, Trade and Industry (RIETI).
    • Handle: RePEc:eti:dpaper:25086
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    2. Shujun Ding & Zhenyu Wu, 2014. "Family Ownership and Corporate Misconduct in U.S. Small Firms," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 123(2), pages 183-195, August.
    3. Siano, Alfonso & Vollero, Agostino & Conte, Francesca & Amabile, Sara, 2017. "“More than words”: Expanding the taxonomy of greenwashing after the Volkswagen scandal," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 71(C), pages 27-37.
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