We investigate the importance of board expertise by analyzing the role of “directors from related industries” (DRIs) on a firm's board. DRIs are officers and/or directors of companies in the upstream (supplier) or downstream (customer) industries of the firm. About 40% of firm-years in our...

We investigate the importance of board expertise by analyzing the role of “directors from related industries” (DRIs) on a firm's board. DRIs are officers and/or directors of companies in the upstream (supplier) or downstream (customer) industries of the firm. About 40% of firm-years in our...

We posit that presence of informed directors, by enhancing the board's information and ability to advise and monitor management, will affect the nature of incentive contracts offered to CEOs. In particular, we study the effect of directors from related industries (DRIs) i.e., downstream or...

Does the specific background and expertise of outside directors influence corporate policies? While the literature recognizes that directors contribute to firm value through their monitoring and advisory functions, the precise manner and extent to which directors' expertise affects the firm's...