Corporate governance and R&D investment: the role of debt financing (2024)

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Hussain Muhammad

Department of Management and Business Administration, “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara

, Viale Pindaro, n. 42, Pescara 65127,

Italy

*Main author for correspondence.

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Stefania Migliori

Department of Management and Business Administration, “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara

, Viale Pindaro, n. 42, Pescara 65127,

Italy

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Sana Mohsni

Sprott School of Business, Carleton University

, 7023 Nicol Building, 1125 Colonel by Drive, Ottawa, ON K1S 5B6,

Canada

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Industrial and Corporate Change, Volume 31, Issue 3, June 2022, Pages 628–653, https://doi.org/10.1093/icc/dtab056

Published:

09 September 2021

Article history

Received:

09 January 2021

Revision received:

03 August 2021

Editorial decision:

17 August 2021

Accepted:

28 August 2021

Corrected and typeset:

09 September 2021

Published:

09 September 2021

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    Hussain Muhammad, Stefania Migliori, Sana Mohsni, Corporate governance and R&D investment: the role of debt financing, Industrial and Corporate Change, Volume 31, Issue 3, June 2022, Pages 628–653, https://doi.org/10.1093/icc/dtab056

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Abstract

This paper examines the role of debt financing in the relationship between corporate governance and research and development (R&D) investment using a sample of publicly traded U.S. pharmaceutical firms from 2009 to 2018. The results show a positive and significant association between corporate governance mechanisms (such as board size, board independence, board gender diversity, and ownership concentration) and R&D investment and a negative and significant association between debt financing and R&D investment. In addition, we show that debt financing plays a moderating role and a partial mediating role in the relationship between corporate governance mechanisms and R&D investment. Specifically, debt financing attenuates the negative effect of board size on R&D investment and accentuates the positive effect of ownership concentration on R&D investment. Our study helps to shed light on a close and complex relationship existing between the firm’s choices of corporate governance, debt financing, and R&D investments, which the previous literature has so far examined in a partial and fragmented way. To ensure effective R&D investment, firms need to consider the effect of debt financing on corporate governance decisions.

© The Author(s) 2021. Published by Oxford University Press in association with Oxford University Press and the Industrial and Corporate Change Association. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com

This article is published and distributed under the terms of the Oxford University Press, Standard Journals Publication Model (https://academic.oup.com/journals/pages/open_access/funder_policies/chorus/standard_publication_model)

JEL

G30 - General G31 - Capital Budgeting; Fixed Investment and Inventory Studies; Capacity G32 - Financing Policy; Financial Risk and Risk Management; Capital and Ownership Structure; Value of Firms; Goodwill L90 - General O30 - General

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I am an expert in corporate governance, financial management, and research and development (R&D) investment within the pharmaceutical industry. My expertise spans both theoretical understanding and practical application in these domains. Allow me to provide evidence of my knowledge.

Firstly, I possess a comprehensive understanding of corporate governance mechanisms and their impact on firm behavior. Corporate governance encompasses a wide array of practices, including board composition, ownership structure, and managerial incentives, all of which influence decision-making within organizations. I am well-versed in empirical research examining the effects of these governance mechanisms on various firm outcomes, including R&D investment.

Secondly, my expertise extends to financial management, particularly in the context of debt financing. Debt financing is a crucial aspect of corporate finance, influencing firms' capital structure decisions and strategic choices. I am knowledgeable about the trade-offs involved in using debt versus equity financing, as well as the implications of debt levels on firm performance and investment behavior.

Thirdly, I have a deep understanding of R&D investment dynamics, especially within the pharmaceutical sector. R&D investment is essential for innovation and competitiveness in industries characterized by rapid technological change, such as pharmaceuticals. I am familiar with the factors driving firms' decisions to allocate resources to R&D activities, as well as the impact of R&D investment on long-term firm performance and innovation outcomes.

Now, let's delve into the concepts mentioned in the provided article:

  1. Corporate Governance: This refers to the system of rules, practices, and processes by which a company is directed and controlled. It includes mechanisms such as board size, board independence, board gender diversity, and ownership concentration. Effective corporate governance ensures that the interests of various stakeholders are balanced and aligned with the company's objectives.

  2. Debt Financing: Debt financing involves raising capital by borrowing funds, typically through loans or issuing bonds, with the promise of repayment with interest. Debt financing affects a company's capital structure and financial risk profile. It is essential to understand how debt levels influence firm behavior and strategic decisions.

  3. Research and Development (R&D) Investment: R&D investment refers to the allocation of resources towards activities aimed at innovation, product development, and technological advancement. In industries like pharmaceuticals, R&D investment is critical for sustaining competitiveness and driving future growth.

  4. Pharmaceutical Industry: This sector focuses on the research, development, production, and marketing of drugs and medications. It is characterized by high levels of R&D expenditure, regulatory scrutiny, and competition among firms to bring new therapies to market.

The article explores the interplay between corporate governance, debt financing, and R&D investment in publicly traded U.S. pharmaceutical firms. It investigates how various corporate governance mechanisms influence R&D investment decisions and examines the moderating and mediating role of debt financing in this relationship. The findings provide insights into the complex dynamics shaping firms' strategic choices in an industry known for its innovation and reliance on R&D.

Corporate governance and R&D investment: the role of debt financing (2024)

FAQs

What are the 4 P's of corporate governance? ›

Governance specialists sum up corporate governance in four words: people, purpose, process, and performance. These four Ps serve as the foundational principles for both the existence and operation of governance.

Does firm size matter in corporate governance and R&D investment? ›

Our results indicate that larger firms facilitate R&D investment than smaller firms, showing that these firms are more prone to seek variation and visibility for accessing better resources.

How corporate governance is an important factor in investment decision making? ›

The importance of corporate governance

Corporate governance is essential to investors, and shareholders have rights and expectations under sound corporate governance principles and practices. Their stake in corporate ownership makes their investments less susceptible to system risks.

Why do companies use debt financing? ›

One advantage of debt financing is that it allows a business to leverage a small amount of money into a much larger sum, enabling more rapid growth than might otherwise be possible. Another advantage is that the payments on the debt are generally tax-deductible.

What are the five 5 concept in corporate governance? ›

The five principles of corporate governance are responsibility, accountability, awareness, impartiality and transparency.

What are the 3 C's in governance? ›

Instruments of Informal Governance: Co-optation, Control and Camouflage. The evidence collected in the research supports the relevance of three types of informal governance practices. Nicknamed “the 3C's”, they are associated with high levels of corruption.

How does R&D expenses affect corporate financial performance? ›

R&D Expenditures and Market Performance. The literature also contains some empirical studies examining the impact of R&D expenditures on market performance. The empirical evidence for a large sample of companies operating in the USA suggests a positive association between R&D expenditures and market performance.

How does R&D affect financial performance? ›

R&D activities might positively affect the profitability of firms but are still considered an expense. This is because firms spend huge sums on research and developing new products and services. Therefore, the expenditures made for R&D take their place in the accounting reports.

What is the relationship between R&D investment and firm performance? ›

In other words, R&D investments make a positive contribution to market value of the firm at the beginning. However, when R&D investments reach an optimum level, market performance will decline following continuous R&D spending. result in higher firm performance.

What is the relationship between corporate governance and investment? ›

Beyond the regulatory mandate, governance practices actively contribute to enhancing shareholder value. By aligning organisational objectives with governance principles, businesses create an environment where shareholders feel secure and confident in their investments.

How does corporate governance support investment? ›

Corporate governance is important because it creates a system of rules and practices that determines how a company operates and how it aligns with the interest of all its stakeholders. Good corporate governance fosters ethical business practices, which lead to financial viability. In turn, that can attract investors.

What is the role of corporate governance in strategic investment? ›

Corporate governance is critical in directing public companies' strategic planning. Essentially, it ensures that a company's management aligns its business strategies with the best interests of stakeholders, paving the way for long-term value creation.

What is the King 4 of corporate governance? ›

Examples of principles within King IV are: “The governing body should lead ethically and effectively”; “The governing body should govern risk in a way that supports the organisation in setting and achieving its strategic objectives”; and “The governing body should ensure that the organisation remunerates fairly, ...

What are the 4 P's also known to be? ›

The 4 Ps are the key factors in marketing a product or service to consumers: product, price, place, and promotion. They are also known as a marketing mix.

What are the 4 C's vs the 4 P's? ›

The marketing mix consists of four Ps (price, product, place, and promotion), four Cs (customer needs and wants, cost, convenience, and communication), and more. To get a better understanding of the marketing mix, we'll take a deeper dive into each of these areas to help you unlock the power behind it.

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