scholarly journals Unexpected corporate outcomes from hedge fund activism in Japan

2018 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
pp. 31-52 ◽  
Author(s):  
John Buchanan ◽  
Dominic H Chai ◽  
Simon Deakin

Abstract Hedge fund activism has been identified in the USA as a driver of enduring corporate governance change and market perception. We investigate this claim in an empirical study to see whether activism produced similar results in Japan in four representative areas: management effectiveness, managerial decisions, labour management and market perception. Experience from the USA would predict positive changes at Japanese target companies in these four areas. However, analysis of financial data shows that no enduring changes were apparent in the first three areas, and that market perception was consistently unfavourable. Our findings demonstrate that the same pressures need not produce the same results in different markets. Moreover, while the effects of the global financial crisis should not be ignored, we conclude that the country-level differences in corporate governance identified in the varieties of capitalism literature are robust, at least in the short term.

Author(s):  
Wolf-Georg Ringe

This chapter examines the phenomenon of shareholder activism within the context of corporate governance and its place in today’s debate on shareholders and shareholder empowerment. It first reviews the concept of shareholder activism and emphasizes the importance of the shareholder structure under which it operates before turning to the historical developments of shareholder activism, with particular emphasis on the U.K., US, and continental Europe. It then describes the various methods employed by activist shareholders and the corresponding regulatory constraints. It also discusses the impact of the global financial crisis of 2007–2011 on shareholder activism. The chapter suggests that shareholder activism has been enjoying something of a renaissance lately, with hedge fund activism becoming more refined, as well as a surge in success following the global financial crisis.


2011 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
pp. 169-204 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicole M. Boyson ◽  
Robert M. Mooradian

2014 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 438-446
Author(s):  
Ronald Henry Mynhardt

Corporate governance can be defined as: the set of processes, customs, policies, laws and institutions affecting the way a company is directed, administered or controlled. Suggestions were investigated that the global financial crisis revealed severe shortcomings in corporate governance. Research was conducted to establish whether these suggestions are accurate. The study found that it appeared that corporate governance has failed and action needs to be taken. The study recommends that a world supervisory body on corporate governance be established. It also proposes that a summit be called to discuss and create such an authority. In addition, the formulation of a set of universal corporate governance standards for implementation by the members was suggested


2014 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 677-687
Author(s):  
Sam Ngwenya

The global financial crisis of 2008 that resulted in the collapse of many financial institutions in the United States (US) and Europe have resulted in debates over the failures of corporate governance structures to properly protect investors. The main objective of the study was to determine the relationship between corporate governance and performance of listed commercial banks in South Africa. The results of the study indicated a statistically positive significant relationship between board size, proportion of non-independent and non-executive directors and bank performance. The results of the rest of the corporate governance indicators are mixed when using different performance measurement variables.


Author(s):  
Helmut K. Anheier ◽  
Christoph M. Abels

Traditionally, corporate governance is about agency problems caused by the division of ownership and control. This chapter moves beyond this understanding. Starting with a theoretical overview, the chapter reviews different approaches to corporate governance and discusses shareholder primacy in light of the increasing demand for corporate social responsibility. Afterwards, a brief history of the development of corporate governance codes is given, followed by the role of corporate governance during the global financial crisis. Different corporate governance mechanisms, such as independent directors, board composition, and member diversity, as well as executive remuneration are subsequently discussed. Problems specific to corporate governance of technology companies are also highlighted, as well as the lessons Germany’s co-determination law can teach for the understanding of board diversity. The chapter concludes with a brief reflection on shareholder primacy, a diversifying corporate world, and the future of corporate governance codes.


2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (5) ◽  
pp. 1042-1062
Author(s):  
Andreas Rühmkorf ◽  
Felix Spindler ◽  
Navajyoti Samanta

Purpose This paper aims to address the evolution of corporate governance in Germany with a particular regard to whether there can be observed a gradual convergence to a shareholder primacy corporate governance system. Design/methodology/approach To investigate a potential shift of the German corporate governance system to an Anglo-American tiled corporate governance system, the authors have empirically assessed on a polynomial base 52 separate company and corporate governance variables for 20 years (1995-2014). Findings This research suggests that a gradual convergence has taken place prior to the global financial crisis. However, the results suggest that the convergence process experienced a slowdown in the aftermath of the global financial crisis, which may be linked to the stability of the German corporate governance system during the global financial crisis and the political environment during this time. Originality/value This paper contributes to the research by not only analysing the development of the German corporate governance system but also identifying new reasons for this development and explaining why a new convergence process may be observed in the future again.


2009 ◽  
Vol 13 (3-4) ◽  
pp. 285-294
Author(s):  
Timothy Stenson

The US housing market is infamous on at least two counts: implicated in the global financial crisis and notorious for its unsustainable consumption of resources and consequent discharge of carbon dioxide. Lately anything like good news regarding housing in the USA is scarce. However, the pause resulting from the collapse of the market, and increasing concern regarding building's agency in the environment, combine to provide an opportunity to reconsider the form and performance of housing. This may yet create an opening for design.


2015 ◽  
Vol 30 (4/5) ◽  
pp. 324-346 ◽  
Author(s):  
Belinda Rachael Williams ◽  
Simone Bingham ◽  
Sonia Shimeld

Purpose – The purpose of this study is to understand how board composition and independent non-executive director (INED) disclosures have changed in light of the global financial crisis (GFC) from an accountability perspective. Design/methodology/approach – Content analysis techniques were undertaken on a random sample of 75 publicly listed companies across two time periods, 2005 and 2010. Findings – The findings highlighted increased INED board membership and increased skill and experience disclosure across all board positions, with the most significant increase being the INED position. The results support the notion that firms are attempting to restore their accountability relationships post-GFC through more transparent mechanisms of governance. However, concerns are also raised in the way individual companies are meeting the ASX Corporate Governance independence requirements. Research limitations/implications – The results raise questions as to whether firms have implemented these changes to ensure effective governance and accountability responsibilities, or simply to give the appearance of good governance. Originality/value – Little attention has been given in the literature to the characteristics of INEDs and whether board changes have been made in the wake of corporate and financial crises. The findings from this study contribute to an understanding of board composition and disclosures pre- and post-GFC.


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