Endogenously Chosen Boards of Directors and Their Monitoring of the CEO

Posted: 4 Sep 1998

See all articles by Benjamin E. Hermalin

Benjamin E. Hermalin

University of California, Berkeley

Michael S. Weisbach

Ohio State University (OSU) - Department of Finance; National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER); European Corporate Governance Institute (ECGI)

Abstract

How can boards be chosen through a process partially controlled by the CEO, yet, in many instances, still be effective monitors of him? We offer an answer based on a model in which board effectiveness is a function of its independence. This, in turn, is a function of negotiations (implicit or explicit) between existing directors and the CEO over who will fill vacancies on the board. The CEO's bargaining power over the board-selection process comes from his perceived ability relative to potential successors. Many empirical findings about board structure and performance arise as equilibrium phenomena of this model.

JEL Classification: D23, D73, G39, K22, L29

Suggested Citation

Hermalin, Benjamin E. and Weisbach, Michael S., Endogenously Chosen Boards of Directors and Their Monitoring of the CEO. Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=121263

Benjamin E. Hermalin

University of California, Berkeley ( email )

545 Student Services Building, #1900
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Berkeley, CA 94720
United States
510-642-7575 (Phone)
510-643-1420 (Fax)

Michael S. Weisbach (Contact Author)

Ohio State University (OSU) - Department of Finance ( email )

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National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER)

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European Corporate Governance Institute (ECGI) ( email )

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Belgium

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