Corporate Governance Mechanism to Decrease the Cost of Equity: Empirical Study on the Indonesian Infrastructure Company

Purpose The cost of equity (COE) and corporate governance structure are the most critical factors affecting competition among publicly held companies. Accordingly, the present paper aims to examine the relationship between corporate governance and the COE in the wake of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) in Iraq. Design/methodology/approach Our statistical sample includes 34 companies listed on the Iraq Stock Exchange from 2012 to 2017. Board structure (i.e. board size, board independence, CEO tenure, board meetings frequency and CEO duality) and ownership structure (managerial ownership, institutional ownership and state ownership) are considered proxies for corporate governance structure. Besides, the authors employ the Capital Asset Pricing Model to measure the COE as our dependent variable. Multiple regression analysis and Exploratory Factor Analysis are also used to estimate the research models. Findings Our results suggest that corporate governance structure plays a significant role in reducing COE during the ISIS era. Furthermore, the authors find that corporate governance can be an alternative to COE reduction in Iraq’s absence of national security. Our findings also indicate that board size, board meeting frequency, managerial ownership and institutional ownership are negatively associated with COE. Research limitations/implications Although this study has been thoroughly considered and cautiously planned, the specific period chosen to conduct the research (i.e. the ISIS era) could be a significant limitation since financial disclosure of listed companies may have been of lower quality during this period. However, to relatively alleviate this limitation and maintain the authenticity of the findings, the authors exclude low-quality financial statements, particularly non-audited financial reports, from the statistical sample. Furthermore, practitioners of emerging markets that are suffering from a weak external corporate governance combination can use the findings of this paper as a guideline to compensate the existing market deficiencies by improving internal corporate governance for observing further cash sources with lower cost. The findings also propose to international agencies that the business environment in Iraq is heavily affected by the ISIS phenomenon and needs financial aid to recover from its side effects. Furthermore, macroeconomists may use this paper to make more decisive macroeconomic indicators predictions. Originality/value This paper is among the pioneer investigations and elaborates on how the agency conflict is resolved effectively. The board and managerial characteristics and different forms of ownership might be applicable to provide cheaper funds for companies listed in emerging markets suffering from weak external corporate governance combinations.

Cost of equity is a cost concept used in determining the amount of costs that will be incurred by the company to fund providers or investors to then determine the average cost of capital of all funds that have been used. The cost of equity measurement used in this study is the Ohlson model. This study aims to analyze the effect of intellectual capital disclosure, independent commissioners, and leverage on the cost of equity. The sample of companies used by LQ45 companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange in 2020-2023 was selected using purposive sampling techniques. The analysis method uses panel data regression. The results of this study show that 1) intellectual capital disclosure has no effect on the cost of equity, 2) independent commissioners have a negative and significant effect on the cost of equity and 3) leverage has no effect on the cost of equity. The implications of the research are expected to be used as a basis in future research and provide an overview of intellectual capital disclosure and corporate governance on the cost of equity through the Ohlson model approach

This study examined the effects of Islamic work ethics (IWE) and good corporate governance (GCG) on fraudulent financial statements (FFS) in Islamic financial institutions (IFIs). The study used a questionnaire survey to examine the relationship between IWE and GCG practises on FFS in IFIs. The finding revealed that IWE and GCG practices significantly influenced FFS through fraud prevention. This study gives banking and insurance professionals a practical grasp of the aspects to consider in the fight against fraud in financial statements. This is the first study that gives empirical evidence of the importance of Islamic work ethics in fraud prevention and its impact on FFS in IFIs in the context of Indonesia, the country with the highest Muslim population. This study suggests that policymakers and the financial services authorities should redouble their efforts to prevent fraudulent financial statements by instituting an effective anti-fraud strategy and integrating Sharia compliance auditing standards. These findings can also assist internal auditors around the globe in identifying the indicators that management may be considering FFS, thereby decreasing the likelihood of fraud occurring. Keywords: Islamic works ethics (IWE), good corporate governance (GCG) practices, fraud prevention, fraudulent financial statements (FFS), and Islamic financial institutions (IFIs)

This study is novel research aims to investigate the impact of corporate governance mechanisms on stock price volatility in the Egyptian stock exchange through the role of the dividend policy as a mediating variable. The study examines certain corporate governance mechanisms such as: board independence, board size, number of board meetings, CEO duality, and audit committee. The study used quarterly data on EGX 30 for the period 2012-2021. It was based on a sample of 25 stocks traded in the Egyptian stock exchange, not including the stocks of the financial sector. Leverage and size used as a controllable variables. Results revealed that corporate governance has an impact on stock price volatility and dividend policy. Board independence, board size, board meetings and audit committee have a significant negative impact on stock price volatility of listed Egyptian companies. A good corporate governance practices is a good sign to reduce the fluctuations in stock prices. However, CEO duality and size has no impact on stock price volatility. Leverage has a positive significant impact on stock price volatility. Accordingly, CEO duality and leverage is a sign of poor corporate governance. Egyptian investors need to consider the issue of corporate governance practices alongside with the risk associated with expected return when taking investment decisions. A new dimension which added to investigate the interrelationship between corporate governance mechanisms and stock price volatility is dividend policy as mediator factor. Dividend policy is the outcome of good corporate governance practices and has an impact on stock price volatility. Corporate governance is important for stimulating the dividend payments which in turn affect stock price volatility.

The escalating global temperature resulting from climate change demands urgent attention. Carbon gas pollution, a leading contributor to climate change, induces a greenhouse gas effect. This study aims to assess the influence of Energy Consumption on Carbon Emissions generated by companies. Additionally, it explores the relationships between Carbon Emissions and other variables, including Good Corporate Governance (GCG) practices, Profitability, Size, and Debt Ratios of companies, utilizing an analytical framework model for regression analysis. The research relies on data extracted from annual and sustainability reports of 31 State-Owned Enterprises (BUMN) in Indonesia spanning the years 2018 to 2022. The findings underscore that GCG Practices, Debt Ratios, Size, and Energy Consumption exert a direct impact on environmental performance. In contrast, Profitability does not demonstrate a direct influence on the magnitude of Carbon Emissions produced. The empirical evidence indicates uncertainty in the results when compared with other studies examining factors influencing company performance.

The importance of good corporate governance for business development cannot be ignored. Therefore the Nigerian banking sector requires the practice of good corporate governance for its stability, growth and development. This has become evident due to the role of the banking sector as a driver of economic development. Therefore in this chapter the corporate governance practices in the Nigerian banking sector are discussed vis-á-vis corporate governance codes therein. The operationalization of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Code (2006) is critically examined, as well as the introduction of the revised CBN Code (2014), by discussing the updates as presented in the CBN Code (2014). The author explores the enhancement and strengthening of the whistleblowing mechanism vis-á-vis good corporate governance, as detailed in the whistleblowing guidelines of the CBN Code (2014). To further strengthen corporate governance in the Nigerian banking sector, useful recommendations on enhancing corporate governance practices are proffered.

The current study scrutinizes the relationship between the cost of equity and corporate governance practices within companies listed on the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX).The Capital Asset Pricing Model (CAPM) is applied to determine the cost of equity. A Sys-GMM model was applied to a sample of 170 businesses listed on the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) from 2014 to 2019 to establish a connection between the variables. Sys-GMM is effective in addressing endogeneity issues related to corporate governance variables. In addition, the Sys-GMM results were compared with pooled OLS and fixed effects. It was discovered that the subsequent approaches failed to address the endogeneity issue, consequently yielding biased results. The findings unveiled a negative nexus amid cost of equity and block ownership. The output indicated that board size plays a key role in reducing the cost of equity. Interestingly, audit quality is directly related to equity cost, however, female directors and leverage were not linked with the cost of equity. The findings will direct policymakers in expanding or adapting the scope and depth of corporate governance practices, which will certainly facilitate the production of the right corporate climate in the country.

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to investigate simultaneous relations between corporate governance (CG) practice and cash flow right, cash flow leverage (the divergence between control right and cash flow right of controlling shareholders). The two ownership measures reflect alignment and expropriation incentives of controlling shareholders. This study also examines the effect of multiple large shareholders (MLSs) on CG practice.Design/methodology/approachThe study uses publicly listed companies (PLCs) excluding those from the Indonesian finance sector during 2011-2013 as the samples of the study. Two-stages least squares regression models were used to test the simultaneous relations between CG practice and ownership structure variables. The study develops a CG instrument to measure CG practice based on ASEAN CG Scorecard, that comprehensively covers OECD CG principles and that can be used for panel data.FindingsCG practice has a positive influence on cash flow right and has a marginally negative impact on cash flow leverage, while cash flow right and cash flow leverage have a marginally negative impact on CG practice. Further, the existence of large MLS complements CG practice, but as the control right of the second largest shareholders becomes closer to the largest shareholder, the complement relation becomes less important. State- or foreign-controlled PLCs practice better CG than other PLCs.Research limitations/implicationsStudies on CG/ownership structure need to treat CG and ownership structure as endogenous variables in their research design. In addition, the level of rule of law in a country should be taken into account when examining the relation between CG and ownership structure. The interrelation among CG, ownership structure, capital structure and firm performance has been studied in the context of dispersed ownership structure and strong rule of law. Thus, future study needs to examine the interrelation among these four concepts in countries with high concentrated ownership and weak rule of law.Practical implicationsTo minimize the risk of expropriation, investors in the capital market need to select shares of PLCs that practice CG suitable for the ownership structure of PLCs, have high ownership by the largest shareholder and have no divergence between control and ownership right, and or have MLSs. PLCs may need to choose the level of CG mechanism in the context of their ownership structure and consider the benefits and costs implementing them.Social implicationsThe study supports the “one size does not fit all” perspective on CG and, thus, it supports the recently enacted financial service authority (FSA) rule requiring PLCs to follow the “comply or explain” rule on the CG code for PLCs. The FSA needs to enforce the compliance of PLCs with CG rules and encourage PLCs to implement CG in substance, not just in form. To strengthen the positive impact of good CG practice in attracting investments in capital market, the regulator needs to improve investor protection rules and ensure strong rule of law.Originality/valueThe study is the first to examine the simultaneous relation between CG practice and both cash flow right and cash flow leverage of the largest shareholder. It is also the first that investigates the impact of MLS on CG practice. It explores the complement and substitution relation between the two concepts in reducing agency costs. In term of research design, the study develops a CG instrument that is based on OECD CG principles, that can be used for panel data and that uses public information.

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to determine what aspects of board independence, in terms of board structure and characteristics of non‐executive directors (NEDs), are associated with effective monitoring of management, as evidenced through lower levels of earnings management.Design/methodology/approachThis paper examines the effectiveness of board independence requirements under the 2003 Australian Stock Exchange (ASX) Principles of Good Corporate Governance and Best Practice Recommendations (POGCG) for a sample of 231 firms listed on the ASX in the financial year 2005. The associations of board composition, share ownership and compensation of NEDs with the level of earnings management are estimated. To explore the characteristics of NEDs that are important for effective monitoring, NEDs are separated into “grey” (affiliated) directors and independent directors and compensation is separated into variable and fixed components.FindingsThe results of the paper indicate a positive relation between earnings management and share ownership of NEDs, particularly that of grey directors. There is a negative relation between NED compensation and the level of earnings management, particularly the fixed compensation component for independent directors.Practical implicationsThis paper is important to shareholders, academics and policy makers because it shows the type of remuneration and ownership levels for NEDs that are consistent with good corporate governance. NEDs are more effective monitors when independent directors are compensated more as a fixed amount that is not related to the firm's performance. The compensation of grey directors is not associated with the level of earnings management. On the other hand, NEDs are less effective monitors as share ownership by grey directors increases. The share ownership of independent directors is not associated with the level of earnings management. To ensure the independence of the board and enhance its ability and incentives to effectively monitor management, the paper recommends that remuneration of NEDs should be a fixed amount, and the share ownership of NEDs should be limited.Originality/valueThe findings provide guidance as to the meaning of board independence, in terms of the payments and returns that NEDs receive from a company. The results provide support for recommendation 2.1 in the ASX's POGCG that requires the majority of the board to be independent directors. The paper highlights the need for boards to be careful when choosing and rewarding NEDs.

PurposeThis 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/approachDue 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.FindingsThe 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/valuePolicymakers 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.

Abstract: Purpose: This study provides a more accurate picture of how financial distress and corporate governance influence managerial discretion, where the target of this research is the banking industry which is the industry with the largest financial assets. Companies that have large financial assets also have large allowances for impairment losses, and this is the main factor driving accrual-based company profits. This research activity is expected to provide scientific and practical benefits as well as a new view on financial distress, corporate governance and managerial discretion. For the banking industry, it provides an understanding of whether the recognition of allowance for impairment losses can be affected by financial distress and/or corporate governance. Method: This research uses a multiple linear regression with quantitative data. The sample selection in this study was carried out using a purposive sampling method, which is a sampling method that applies certain criteria according to the research objectives. The population in this study are companies in the banking industry that are listed on the Indonesian Stock Exchange. In this study, five years of observation were carried out from 2017 to 2021. Result: Based on the results of this study, it can be concluded that financial distress, institutional ownership, proportion of independent commissioners, and proportion of audit committee have no effect on managerial discretion. It refutes the hypotheses regarding the influence of financial distress and corporate governance on managerial discretion over the recognition of allowance for impairment losses. However, the managerial ownership has a positive influence on managerial discretion, which raises a possibility that managers who own shares of a company have a desire to get more benefits from the cost of equity and/or capital gains. Keywords: 1. Financial Distress 2. Institutional Ownership 3. Managerial Ownership 4. Independent Commissioners 5. Audit Committee 6. Managerial Discretion 7. Allowance For Impairment Losses 8. banking

Editorial – Toward a Global Theory of Corporate Governance

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to study the relationship between corporate governance practices and internationalization through foreign direct investments in the context of family-owned business groups in India.Design/methodology/approachThe comparative case study method is used to understand the relationship between corporate governance practices and internationalization using four family-owned business groups in India.FindingsThe ownership concentration negatively influences the internationalization, while transparency has a positive association. Professionalization of management helps in internationalization. Overall, good corporate governance practices have a positive influence on group internationalization.Research limitations/implicationsThis paper provides detailed discussions based on the case study research which would help the future research work on the relationship between corporate governance practices and internationalization.Originality/valueThe existing literature studies in this field in the context of emerging markets are inconclusive. Hence, this paper uses the case study method to understand the relationship better.

Sustainability disclosures play a crucial role in reducing the cost of equity by enhancing corporate transparency, yet their impact still needs to be explored in emerging markets like Indonesia. This study aims to bridge this gap by investigating the influence of economic, environmental, and social sustainability disclosures and information asymmetry on the cost of equity, with leverage serving as a moderating factor. Using multiple regression analysis on data from companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX) between 2014 and 2018, the study reveals that economic sustainability disclosure significantly lowers the cost of equity, while environmental and social disclosures do not show a significant impact. Additionally, information asymmetry is found to increase the cost of equity, aligning with Agency Theory. Leverage, however, does not significantly moderate the relationships between sustainability disclosures and the cost of equity. The findings underscore the importance of economic transparency in reducing capital costs and highlight the need for more robust regulatory frameworks to enhance the effectiveness of environmental and social disclosures.

Good corporate reputation is important for companies because of their potential for value creation and also as intangible asset which makes it difficult for competitors to replicate it. This research is aimed to investigate the effect of corporate reputation and cost of equity through earning quality as a mediating variable. Corporate reputation is measured by Corporate Image Index. Cost of Equity is measured by Ohlson Method. The earning quality as an intervening variable is measured by Modified Jones. The sample used in this study were non-financial companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange and Corporate Image Index from 2016 to 2018. The sample was selected using purposive sampling method. The number of sample resulted from this method are 189 companies. This study used path analysis method and supported by SPSS version 23. The theory used in this study is agency theory. Based on statistical results this study indicate that there is no significant relationship between corporate reputation and earning quality but has negative and significant relationship to cost of equity. This study also shows that earning quality has a negative and significant effect on the cost of equity. In addition, Sobel’s test results show that earning quality does not mediate the effect of corporate reputation and cost of equity