Corporate governance, investor protection, and firm performance in MENA countries

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

1-2-2014

Abstract

© 2014, © 2014 Economic Research Forum. The literature on development finance and corporate finance in emerging markets is, to date, primarily focused on the impact of country-level investor protection and differences in legal systems on firm value across countries. This paper extends the literature by investigating the relationship between firm-level governance and performance while controlling for country-level governance and other relevant variables within the context of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Evidence shows a strong and significant positive relationship between good corporate governance–such as higher investor protection and lower managerial entrenchment–and firm value. We also find that the positive effects of property rights on firm performance are more pronounced for firms with higher managerial entrenchment. In addition, the positive effects of property rights on firm performance are additionally more significant for firms with higher managerial entrenchment and higher cash holding. Finally, the positive effects of property rights on firm performance are additionally more significant for firms with higher managerial entrenchment and lower dividend payout.

Publication Title

Middle East Development Journal

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