Still on board configuration: SEC recommendations and the efficiency of adhering firms in Nigeria

Abstract

This paper scrutinizes the effects of adherence to an encoded board configuration on firm efficiency in terms operational and financial performances using an integrated research framework that combines four distinct theories including agency, stewardship, stakeholders and resource dependency models. The research explores three main aspects of compliance outcomes; benefits accrued to conforming firms in terms of enhanced efficiency and market value, board level drivers as well as the external moderators of these benefits using a sample of 127 listed companies on the Nigerian Stock Exchange covering for the period of 1999-2010. Result show that board independence, directors’ cognitive competencies as measured in terms of their educational qualifications and professional experiences are positively associated with efficient management of assets (ROA) and firm stock marketability (Tobin’s q). I find no substantive empirical evidence to suggest that either the adoption of specific leadership structure or directors’ ethnic representation affects firm performance. Moreover, country-level macroeconomic variables, especially the degree of economic openness play a significant role in determining the strength of association between board structure variables and firm performance measures.