Corporate Finance Policies and Social Networks

Management Science, 63 (8), 2420-2438

40 Pages Posted: 18 Apr 2008 Last revised: 28 Nov 2017

Date Written: 2017

Abstract

This paper shows that managers are influenced by their social peers when making corporate policy decisions. Using biographical information about executives and directors of U.S. public companies, we define social ties from current and past employment, education, and other activities. We find that more connections two companies share with each other, more similar their capital investments are. To address endogeneity concerns, we find that companies invest less similarly when an individual connecting them dies. The results extend to other corporate finance policies. Furthermore, central companies in the social network invest in a less idiosyncratic way, and exhibit better economic performance.

Keywords: Corporate Finance Policy Decisions; Social Networks; Capital Investments

JEL Classification: G31, L14

Suggested Citation

Fracassi, Cesare, Corporate Finance Policies and Social Networks (2017). Management Science, 63 (8), 2420-2438, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1121503 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.1121503

Cesare Fracassi (Contact Author)

University of Texas at Austin ( email )

McCombs School of Business
2110 Speedway Stop B6600
Austin, TX 78712-1276
United States
512-232-6843 (Phone)

HOME PAGE: http://https://faculty.mccombs.utexas.edu/cesare.fracassi/

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