The traditional methodology examining optimal boards relates a simple board variable  (e.g., independence or board demography) to firm performance, however, ig- noring other board characteristics.  This paper investigates how the education and business  experience of directors affect firm ...

Regulators and shareholders are calling for independent directors. Independent directors, however, have numerous external professional commitments. Using  To- bin’s Q as an approximation  of market valuation and controlling for endogeneity, our empirical analysis reveals that neither...

The legal environment is one important determinant of corporate governance. However,  within  legal families,  also cultural  differences can explain the level of corporate governance to some extent. We analyze this relationship for the case of Switzerland.  Swiss firms  are mainly located...

This paper outlines the foundations of corporate governance.  The discussion includes a review on the modern corporation, transaction costs theory, agency costs theory, legal investor protection, investor protection by corporate governance and its various mechanisms, as well as an overview of...

Regulators, proxy advisors and shareholders are regularly calling for independent directors. However, at the same time, independent directors commonly engage in numerous outside activities potentially reducing their time and commitment with the particular firm. Using Tobin's Q as an...