Board interlocking network and financial decisions

Abstract

Previous literature demonstrates that interlocking director networks are significant in various financial areas. However, the distinction between network selection and behavioral influence effects is not considered. Few studies in the finance discipline have sufficiently considered social networks in a statistically robust way. This inattention may cause bias similar to omitted variable bias, resulting in incorrect conclusions being reached from the reported results. We employ recent advances in statistical modeling to investigate the effect of the interlocking director network on executive compensation, capital structure and mergers and acquisitions. Results show selection and influence eff..