Birds of a feather flock together: How and when does the fit of CEO–CFO high promotion focus predict new venture initial public offering fraud?

Abstract

Research Question/Issue

This study attempts to examine how the fit of CEO and CFO high promotion focus, an important motivational-based psychological trait, can affect new venture initial public offering (IPO) fraud. Furthermore, we explore how this relationship is moderated by CEO–CFO status similarity (firm internal environment) and environmental dynamism (firm external environment).

Research Findings/Insights

Using a sample of Chinese new ventures listed on growth enterprise market from 2010 to 2016, we conduct computer-aided content analysis to quantify CEO and CFO promotion focus. Results show that the fit of CEO–CFO high promotion focus increases the likelihood of new venture IPO fraud. Moreover, CEO–CFO status similarity and environmental dynamism strengthen this positive relationship.

Theoretical/Academic Implications

We make three main contributions to the literature. First, we enrich upper echelons literature on CEO–top management team (TMT) interface by exploring how the psychological characteristic (promotion focus) of CEO–CFO dyad, a subteam of TMT, affects new venture IPO fraud. Second, we contribute to regulatory focus theory by extending interpersonal promotion fit to the context of upper echelons level and exploring its boundary conditions of CEO–CFO status similarity (internal environment) and environmental dynamism (external environment). Third, from the perspective of microfoundation, this study contributes to IPO fraud literature by investigating the antecedents of firm internal factors, specifically the psychological trait—high promotion focus fit of CEO–CFO.

Practitioner/Policy Implications

By examining the fit of CEO and CFO high promotion focus, this study shows the need to consider the motivational-based psychological traits of CEO and CFO when selecting, training, monitoring, dismissing, and compensating executives. Moreover, to prevent new venture IPO fraud, policymakers and key stakeholders such as the board of directors can consider paying much attention to firms with CEO and CFO who possess high promotion focus.