Search results

1 – 10 of over 1000
Open Access
Article
Publication date: 27 March 2020

Redeemer Krah and Gerard Mertens

The study aims at examining the level of financial transparency of local governments in a sub-Saharan African country and how financial transparency is affected by democracy in…

3402

Abstract

Purpose

The study aims at examining the level of financial transparency of local governments in a sub-Saharan African country and how financial transparency is affected by democracy in the sub-region.

Design/methodology/approach

The study applied a panel regression model to data collected from public accounts of 43 local authorities in Ghana from 1995 to 2014. Financial transparency was measured using a transparency index developed based on the Transparency Index of Transparency International and the information disclosure requirements of public sector entities under the International Public Sector Accounting Standards.

Findings

The study finds the low level of financial transparency among the local governments in Ghana, creating information asymmetry within the agency framework of governance. Further, evidence from the study suggests a strong positive relationship between democracy and financial transparency in the local government.

Research limitations/implications

Deepening democracy is necessary for promoting the culture of financial transparency in local governance in sub-Saharan Africa, perhaps in entire Africa.

Practical implications

There is a need for the local governments and governments, in general, to deepen democracy to ensure proactive disclosure of the financial information to the citizens to improve participation trust and eventual reduction in corruption. Effective implementation of the Right to Information Act would also help promote financial and other forms of transparency in the sub-region.

Originality/value

The study contributes to the public sector accounting literature by linking democracy to financial transparency in the local government. Hitherto, studies concentrate on how entity level variables impact on the level of financial information flow in the local government without considering the broader governance infrastructure within which local governments operate.

Details

Meditari Accountancy Research, vol. 28 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2049-372X

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 20 July 2023

Hoang Bui and Zoltán Krajcsák

This study aims to investigate the relationship between corporate governance (CG) and financial performance in the case of publicly listed companies in Vietnam for the period from…

10938

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the relationship between corporate governance (CG) and financial performance in the case of publicly listed companies in Vietnam for the period from 2019 to 2021. The topic is crucial in understanding how effective governance practices can influence the financial outcomes of companies. The study sheds light on the link between CG practice and firm financial performance. It also provides insights for policymakers and practitioners to improve CG practices.

Design/methodology/approach

Due to the potential dynamic endogeneity in CG research, this study uses the generalized system methods of moments to effectively address the endogeneity problem. Financial performance is measured by Tobin’s Q, return on equity (ROE) and return on assets (ROA). Based on organization for economic cooperation and development (OECD) standards, these indices were calculated to assess the influence of CG practices on corporate financial performance, namely, for accounting information (ROA and ROE) and market performance (Tobin’s Q and service à resglement différé (SRD) – stock price volatility) for the period 2019–2021. In addition, the study examines the relationship between changes in the CG index and changes in financial performance.

Findings

The study’s main objective is to determine the relationship between CG performance scores and financial performance. The study found a positive relationship between transparency disclosure and financial performance and a positive correlation between CG and company size. The COVID-19 pandemic caused a decrease in transparency and information index scores in 2021 compared to 2019 and 2020 due to delayed General Meetings of Shareholders. The study failed to find a relationship between shareholder rights index (“cg_rosh”) and board responsibility (“cg_reob”) and financial performance, concerning which the findings of this study differ from those of previous studies. Reasons are put forward for these anomalies.

Originality/value

Policymakers need to develop a set of criteria for assessing CG practices. They also need to promulgate specific regulations for mandatory and voluntary information disclosure and designate a competent authority to certify the transparency of company information. The study also suggests that companies should develop CG regulations and focus on regulations relating to the business culture or ethics, as well as implementing a system to ensure equal treatment among shareholders. The study found that good CG practices can positively contribute to a company’s financial performance, which is crucial for investors to evaluate the quality of CG practices for each listed company so that investment risks can be limited.

Details

Journal of Financial Regulation and Compliance, vol. 32 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1358-1988

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 25 May 2023

Peterson K. Ozili

This paper examines the association between corporate governance and financial inclusion in terms of correlation. This paper examines whether countries that have a strong…

1036

Abstract

Purpose

This paper examines the association between corporate governance and financial inclusion in terms of correlation. This paper examines whether countries that have a strong corporate governance environment also experience better financial inclusion outcomes.

Design/methodology/approach

The indicators of financial inclusion are automated teller machines (ATMs) per 100,000 adults, bank accounts per 1,000 adults and bank branches per 100,000 adults, while the indicators of corporate governance are extent of corporate transparency index, the extent of director liability index, the extent of disclosure index, the extent of ownership and control index, the extent of shareholder rights index, minority investors protection index and ease of shareholder suits index. The association was analyzed using Pearson correlation analysis and granger causality test.

Findings

Strong corporate governance is significantly associated or correlated with better financial inclusion outcomes. The regional analyses show that corporate governance has a significant positive association with financial inclusion in Asian countries and in Middle East countries. However, a positive and negative association was observed between some indicators of corporate governance and financial inclusion in European countries, North American countries, South American countries, African countries and in Middle East and North Africa (MENA) countries, implying that strong corporate governance has a positive and negative association with financial inclusion depending on the indicators of corporate governance and financial inclusion used. There is also evidence of uni-directional granger causality between corporate governance and financial inclusion.

Originality/value

Little is known about the association between corporate governance and financial inclusion. This paper is the first to examine this association.

Details

Journal of Money and Business, vol. 3 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2634-2596

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 29 November 2018

Hussein Elkamel

Governments may finance its expenditures through multiple resources; however, seigniorage and borrowing are commonly used. The authors think that in the presence of corruption…

8874

Abstract

Purpose

Governments may finance its expenditures through multiple resources; however, seigniorage and borrowing are commonly used. The authors think that in the presence of corruption, the use of public finance may result in inflationary effect that leads to higher level of inflation, which in turn affects the whole economy.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper investigates if the variation in corruption levels jointly with public finance means, seigniorage and borrowing, accounts for the variation in the level of inflation. This paper uses panel data of 72 countries through the period 1995-2011.

Findings

The author find that corruption jointly with public finance means, seigniorage and borrowing, increase the level of inflation. This finding can address the misuse of these public finance means where corruption is prevalent.

Originality/value

This paper captures the joint effect of corruption with two different means of public finance, seigniorage and borrowing, on the level of inflation within 72 countries through 1995-2011.

Details

PSU Research Review, vol. 3 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2399-1747

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 23 August 2019

Salvador Gil-Pareja, Rafael Llorca-Vivero and José Antonio Martínez-Serrano

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the impact of corruption on trade.

14386

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the impact of corruption on trade.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors estimate gravity equations with the last econometric advances on a wide sample of countries and years using three different measures of corruption. Two of them belong to the so-called perception-based indexes and the third is derived from a structural model that takes into account the causes and indicators of corruption across countries.

Findings

A negative effect of corruption on trade appears with perceptions, but it is not widespread. However, the authors find sensible evidence of the “grease the wheels” view with the structural index if low and middle income countries are implicated. Additionally, when using this measure, differences in corruption levels negatively impact trade. Both results are in line with expectations.

Originality/value

Moreover, membership in regional trade agreements does not seem to significantly alter these results.

Details

Applied Economic Analysis, vol. 27 no. 79
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2632-7627

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 27 May 2021

Jamile Youssef and Sara Diab

Happiness levels differ among the Middle East and North African (MENA) countries and follow a downtrend, making such heterogeneity a popular topic to investigate. The paper aims…

2362

Abstract

Purpose

Happiness levels differ among the Middle East and North African (MENA) countries and follow a downtrend, making such heterogeneity a popular topic to investigate. The paper aims to study the contribution of governance quality on the heterogeneity in happiness levels across MENA countries while controlling for demographic and socioeconomic variables.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper applies panel random-effects regression analysis on three samples: full sample, rich and poor subsamples, using data from 20 MENA countries over the 2007–2017 period.

Findings

The empirical results for the full sample conclude that better technical quality of governance increases happiness in the region. Furthermore, findings suggest that political stability and absence of violence matters for people's happiness only in rich countries. Whereas, control of corruption is positively associated with happiness level in the full sample and poor subsample. Across all three samples, voice and accountability has no impact on happiness.

Research limitations/implications

A possible limitation of the paper is using an index for happiness based on a subjective weight distribution. Therefore, researchers are encouraged to implement a novel method using data envelopment analysis.

Practical implications

This paper includes implications for policymakers in the MENA region. Governments should strengthen existing laws and create a comprehensive database of laws, fight corruption and prioritize raising income.

Originality/value

This paper is the first to categorize MENA countries into rich and poor to analyze how governance quality contributes to the heterogeneity in happiness levels.

Details

Journal of Business and Socio-economic Development, vol. 1 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2635-1374

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 16 January 2017

Collins G. Ntim, Teerooven Soobaroyen and Martin J. Broad

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the extent of voluntary disclosures in UK higher education institutions’ (HEIs) annual reports and examine whether internal governance…

15960

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the extent of voluntary disclosures in UK higher education institutions’ (HEIs) annual reports and examine whether internal governance structures influence disclosure in the period following major reform and funding constraints.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors adopt a modified version of Coy and Dixon’s (2004) public accountability index, referred to in this paper as a public accountability and transparency index (PATI), to measure the extent of voluntary disclosures in 130 UK HEIs’ annual reports. Informed by a multi-theoretical framework drawn from public accountability, legitimacy, resource dependence and stakeholder perspectives, the authors propose that the characteristics of governing and executive structures in UK universities influence the extent of their voluntary disclosures.

Findings

The authors find a large degree of variability in the level of voluntary disclosures by universities and an overall relatively low level of PATI (44 per cent), particularly with regards to the disclosure of teaching/research outcomes. The authors also find that audit committee quality, governing board diversity, governor independence and the presence of a governance committee are associated with the level of disclosure. Finally, the authors find that the interaction between executive team characteristics and governance variables enhances the level of voluntary disclosures, thereby providing support for the continued relevance of a “shared” leadership in the HEIs’ sector towards enhancing accountability and transparency in HEIs.

Research limitations/implications

In spite of significant funding cuts, regulatory reforms and competitive challenges, the level of voluntary disclosure by UK HEIs remains low. Whilst the role of selected governance mechanisms and “shared leadership” in improving disclosure, is asserted, the varying level and selective basis of the disclosures across the surveyed HEIs suggest that the public accountability motive is weaker relative to the other motives underpinned by stakeholder, legitimacy and resource dependence perspectives.

Originality/value

This is the first study which explores the association between HEI governance structures, managerial characteristics and the level of disclosure in UK HEIs.

Details

Accounting, Auditing & Accountability Journal, vol. 30 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0951-3574

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 5 August 2021

Zeyneb Hafsa Orhan and Murat Isiker

This paper aims to develop a ranking methodology for the companies included in the Islamic indices in Turkey. Thus, this paper simplifies the decision-making process for investors…

1180

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to develop a ranking methodology for the companies included in the Islamic indices in Turkey. Thus, this paper simplifies the decision-making process for investors with Islamic sensitivities to stock market investment when constructing their investment portfolio.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper uses a case study of 20 companies listed on Borsa Istanbul, drawing data from their 2017, 2018 and 2019 financial reports. These companies are scored and ranked according to their compatibility with the screening criteria used by Ziraat Katilim index in Turkey. In addition, this paper uses the quantitative screening process to calculate the ranking scores of these companies.

Findings

The findings show that some companies are highly compatible with the screening criteria, with ranking scores close to 100 points. However, some companies satisfied the criteria on the margin. This may not be a desirable result for some investors.

Research limitations/implications

Only 20 companies are included in the analysis. Since the conventional accounting system is used in Turkey, it was difficult to get exact information about the companies’ Sharīʿah compatibility from the financial results.

Practical implications

The findings assist investors to determine which company is ethically more responsible than others within the Islamic framework. There are also implications for the companies in question, index providers and Sharīʿah scholars.

Social implications

The findings aim to simplify the decision-making process of investors who have Islamic sensitivities to stock exchange market investment when they constitute their portfolio.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, it is one of the first attempts to develop a ranking methodology for Sharīʿah-screened stocks in Turkey even though Sharīʿah screening has been on the agenda since the late 1990s. This paper also compares 11 indices based on their screening criteria.

Details

ISRA International Journal of Islamic Finance, vol. 13 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0128-1976

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 18 June 2021

Mejda Bahlous-Boldi

This paper aims to investigate the link between agency costs mitigation via three levels of rights protection (minority rights protection, enforcing contracts, resolving…

1402

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the link between agency costs mitigation via three levels of rights protection (minority rights protection, enforcing contracts, resolving insolvency issues) provides the propitious climate for financing investment opportunities around the world.

Design/methodology/approach

We use Bartlett’s three-group method to stratify countries based on how well they protect investors as measured by the scores provided in the Doing Business dataset developed by the world bank for 189 countries. We then test a variety of independent hypotheses that the alleviation of agency costs via three levels of protection (minority investors’ rights, contract enforcement, resolving insolvency issues) is associated with better access to credit via the banking system, better valuation of listed firms via the stock market and higher investment and growth.

Findings

Our findings support Agency Theory which explains why the absence of legal protection of external investors leads to stock markets and financial institutions failing to fulfill their role of financing the economy.

Practical implications

The policy implication from this study indicates that countries ought to (1) develop legislation that protects investors’ rights, (2) improve the quality of their judicial system in terms of enforcing the legislation and (3) build the framework for resolving disputes during insolvency as these are important ingredients for a developed financial system.

Originality/value

We use the World bank dataset and a new methodology to quantify the significance of the relationship between minority rights protection, ineffective enforcement, lack of bankruptcy laws and access to firm financing via the banking sector and the stock market. It provides new evidence that the quality of the judicial system in a country matter for firms’ ability to raise financing and enhance value creation.

研究目的

本文旨在探討一個假設,該假設為透過三級別權利保障(保障少數群體的權利、執行合同、解決破產問題)的代理成本緩減會為世界各地的金融性投資機會提供良好的氣侯。

研究設計/方法/理念

我們以巴特利特(Bartlett)的三組法把國家分組,分組方法是基於該國家保障投資者的程度,而保障程度是以世界銀行為189個國家而制定的營商資料集內提供的評分來衡量的。我們把國家分組後,便就各樣的獨立假設進行測試。這些假設是:透過三級別保障(保障少數股權投資者的權利、合同的執行、解決破產問題)的代理成本緩減是連繫於透過銀行系統而產生的更佳信貸途徑,透過股市的更佳上市公司估值及更高的投資和增長。

研究結果

研究結果証實了代理理論,該理論說明為何當外來投資者沒有得到法律保障時,結果會導致股票市場和金融機構不能履行其為經濟提供資金的角色。

實際的意義

本研究具有政策方面的意義,因研究顯示了國家應該:(1)設立保障投資者權利的法律;(2)在執行法律方面,改善其司法系統的素質;(3)建立解決破產時爭議的體系。這些是應該做的,因它們是一個已發展的金融體制的重要元素。

研究的原創性/價值

本文強調了一個保障投資者權利的法律環境所需的三個特定要素:對少數股權投資者權利的保障、有效的執行、有效的破產法律及透過銀行部門和股票市場而取得公司融資。這提供新的證據, 證實這三級別權利保障對公司籌集資金及提高價值創造的能力而言至為重要。

Details

European Journal of Management and Business Economics, vol. 31 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2444-8451

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 13 April 2022

Xuan Minh Nguyen and Quoc Trung Tran

The paper investigates the effect of corruption on corporate investment efficiency around the world.

1560

Abstract

Purpose

The paper investigates the effect of corruption on corporate investment efficiency around the world.

Design/methodology/approach

The sample includes 218,350 observations from 30,074 firms across 42 countries. The authors measure corruption based on the Corruption Perception Index (CPI) from Transparency International, Corruption Control Index (CCI) from the World Bank and Corruption Index from the International Country Risk Guide.

Findings

The authors find that corruption is negatively related to investment efficiency. The robustness checks with different measures of corporate investment and alternative regression approaches show consistent findings. Moreover, the authors also find that the effect of corruption is stronger (weaker) in strong (weak) shareholder protection countries.

Originality/value

The paper has two important contributions to the literature. First, it shows that corruption environment is also a determinant of corporate investment efficiency. Second, legal protection of shareholders can mitigate the negative effect of corruption on corporate investment efficiency.

研究目的

本研究擬探討世界各地貪污腐敗對企業投資效率的影響。

研究設計/方法/理念

研究樣本涵蓋42個國家,30,074間公司,218,350個觀察。測量貪污腐敗的方法乃基於國際透明組織的腐敗感知指數、世界銀行的腐敗控制指數和國際國家風險指南的貪污指數。

研究結果

研究結果顯示、貪污與投資效率成負相關。以企業投資的各種測量方法、以及用其他的回歸分析方法來進行的強度檢驗,均顯示一致的結果。而且,我們亦發現,在對股東的保障較大的國家,貪污所帶來的影響也會較大;同樣地、對股東的保障較小的國家,貪污的影響也相應會較輕微。

研究的原創性/價值

本研究對文獻有兩個重要的貢獻。首先,研究證明了貪污腐敗的環境亦是企業投資效率的決定因素;其次,研究亦證明給股東的法律保護會減低貪污對企業投資效率所帶來的負面影響。

Details

European Journal of Management and Business Economics, vol. 31 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2444-8451

Keywords

1 – 10 of over 1000