Corporate Board: Role, Duties and Composition - Virtus InterPress

Board committees' characteristics, external audit quality, and earnings management: Evidence from GCC countries

2026-04-20T09:55:07Z

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

Abstract

The research examined the influence of board committee attributes, audit committee (AC) and risk management committee (RMC), and external audit quality (EAQ) on earnings management. It also investigated the moderating influence of EAQ. The research used a sample of 61 banks registered in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations (Qatar, the UAE, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and Oman) spanning the years 2010 to 2020. The findings indicated that certain attributes of ACs and RMCs significantly enhanced earnings quality. Moreover, the calibre of external audit serves as an ancillary mechanism to the function of board committees in enhancing the transparency and integrity of financial reporting. Hence, this study offers clear theoretical insights by establishing a comprehensive framework that combines internal and external corporate governance methods to improve earnings quality. This study also offers valuable insights for decision-makers and regulators in the GCC regarding the development of legislation and regulations for board committee formation and the enforcement of stricter standards for external auditing quality.

Keywords: Earnings Management, Audit Committee, Risk Management Committee, External Audit Quality

Authors' individual contributions: Conceptualization—A.J.K. and A.M.S.; Methodology—A.J.K. and A.M.S.; Software—M.A.S.; Validation—A.M.S.; Formal Analysis—A.M.S.; Investigation—A.J.K. and A.S.M.G.A.; Resources—O.S.A.; Writing—Original Draft—M.A.S. and I.M.I.; Writing—Review & Editing—M.A.S. and I.M.I.; Supervision—I.M.I. and A.M.S.; Project Administration—A.M.S., O.S.A., and A.S.M.G.A.; Funding Acquisition—A.J.K., M.A.S., I.M.I., A.M.S., O.S.A., and A.S.M.G.A.

Declaration of conflicting interests: The Authors declare that there is no conflict of interest.

JEL Classification: G3, H26, M40, M41

Received: 26.09.2025
Revised: 27.01.2026; 26.02.2026; 07.04.2026
Accepted: 16.04.2026
Published online: 20.04.2026

How to cite this paper: Khalaf, A. J., Suwaid, M. A., Ibrahem, I. M., Sadaa, A. M., Abdulwahhab, O. S., & Alshugairy, A. S. M. G. (2026). Board committees' characteristics, external audit quality, and earnings management: Evidence from GCC countries. Corporate Board: Role, Duties and Composition, 22(2), 39–50. https://doi.org/10.22495/cbv22i2art3

The impact of board and audit committee characteristics on integrated reporting disclosure: Evidence from ASEAN

Jessica Carissa,Herlin Tundjung Setijaningsih,Faris Kasenda — 2026-04-16T08:22:06Z

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

Abstract

This study examines the influence of board and audit committee characteristics on integrated reporting disclosure among publicly listed firms in five Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries during 2020–2024. The study is motivated by the growing importance of integrated reporting in voluntary disclosure environments, where internal governance mechanisms may play a more decisive role in shaping reporting practices (M. Ali et al., 2024). Using purposive sampling, the study analyzes 142 firm-year observations from 46 firms and measures integrated reporting disclosure through content analysis based on the Pistoni et al. (2018) Integrated Reporting Scoreboard. The data are analyzed using panel regression with firm fixed effects and clustered standard errors, supported by alternative model specifications for robustness. The findings show that board independence and audit committee independence have positive and significant effects on integrated reporting disclosure, indicating that independence-based governance mechanisms are more effective in promoting transparency and accountability in integrated reporting. In contrast, board size, board diversity, and board activity do not significantly affect integrated reporting disclosure. The study contributes to the governance-disclosure literature by showing that, in the ASEAN context where integrated reporting remains largely voluntary, independence-related governance mechanisms appear more influential than structural board characteristics in encouraging integrated reporting disclosure.

Keywords: Integrated Reporting Disclosure, Corporate Governance, Board Characteristics, Audit Committee Independence, Voluntary Disclosure, ASEAN

Authors' individual contributions: Conceptualization—J.C. and H.T.S.; Methodology—J.C. and H.T.S.; Software—J.C.; Validation—J.C. and H.T.S.; Investigation—J.C. and H.T.S.; Writing—Original Draft—J.C.; Writing—Review & Editing—J.C., H.T.S., and F.K.; Visualization—J.C. and H.T.S.; Supervision—H.T.S. and F.K.; Project Administration—J.C.; Funding Acquisition—J.C.

Declaration of conflicting interests: The Authors declare that there is no conflict of interest.

JEL Classification: G34, M14, M42

Received: 24.01.2026
Revised: 06.03.2026; 19.03.2026
Accepted: 14.04.2026
Published online: 16.04.2026

How to cite this paper: Carissa, J., Setijaningsih, H. T., & Kasenda, F. (2026). The impact of board and audit committee characteristics on integrated reporting disclosure: Evidence from ASEAN. Corporate Board: Role, Duties and Composition, 22(2), 23–38. https://doi.org/10.22495/cbv22i2art2

Rethinking audit committee competence: Accreditation, experience, and digital skills in constraining real earnings management

Mohd Azuwan Khalidi,Nur Ashikin Mohd Saat,Yeng Wai Lau,Fatima Abdul Hamid — 2026-04-15T07:15:02Z

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

Abstract

This study examines how audit committee (AC) competencies influence real earnings management (REM) in Malaysian publicly listed companies (PLCs) during a period of significant governance reform (2017 to 2019). Using secondary data from annual reports and financial databases, the analysis revealed that different forms of AC expertise exert divergent effects on financial reporting oversight. Financial expertise associated with Malaysian Institute of Accountants (MIA) membership (ACMIA) consistently constrains REM, highlighting the importance of statutory accreditation, professional ethics, and jurisdiction-specific regulatory knowledge. In contrast, financial expertise without MIA membership (ACFIN) is positively associated with REM, suggesting that technical expertise alone may be insufficient to ensure effective governance when it is not institutionally embedded within the local regulatory environment. Digital competence within the AC (ACDIGI) exhibits a weaker but significant negative relationship with REM, indicating its emerging importance in increasingly digitalised reporting systems. By distinguishing between MIA-accredited and non-MIA financial expertise and introducing digital competence as an additional dimension of AC capability, this study extends agency theory, resource dependence theory, and Masli et al.'s (2018) multidimensional board effectiveness framework. The findings highlight the importance of aligning professional expertise with institutional context and technological capability to strengthen financial oversight and enhance reporting integrity in emerging markets.

Keywords: Audit Committee Competencies, Real Earnings Management, Financial Expertise, Financial Accreditation, Digital Competence

Authors' individual contributions: Conceptualization—M.A.K.; Methodology—M.AK. and N.A.M.S.; Investigation—M.A.K.; Writing—Original Draft—M.A.K.; Writing—Review & Editing—M.A.K., N.A.M.S., Y.W.L., and F.A.H.; Visualization—M.A.K.; Supervision—N.A.M.S., Y.W.L., and F.A.H.; Project Administration—M.A.K. and N.A.M.S.

Declaration of conflicting interests: The Authors declare that there is no conflict of interest.

JEL Classification: G3, M43

Received: 30.10.2025
Revised: 05.03.2026; 07.04.2026
Accepted: 13.04.2026
Published online: 15.04.2026

How to cite this paper: Khalidi, M. A., Mohd Saat, N. A., Lau, Y. W., & Abdul Hamid, F. (2026). Rethinking audit committee competence: Accreditation, experience, and digital skills in constraining real earnings management. Corporate Board: Role, Duties and Composition, 22(2), 8–22. https://doi.org/10.22495/cbv22i2art1

2026-04-14T08:05:34Z

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Editorial: Corporate governance in transition — Foundations, emerging challenges, and new empirical insights

Chan Du — 2026-04-14T08:03:59Z

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

This issue of the journal "Corporate Board: Role, Duties and Composition" was published on April 14, 2026.

By clicking the button "Download This Article" below you will gain direct access to the Editorial of the issue.

How to cite: Du, C. (2026). Editorial: Corporate governance in transition — Foundations, emerging challenges, and new empirical insights. Corporate Board: Role, Duties and Composition, 22(1), 4–6. https://doi.org/10.22495/cbv22i1editorial

Who shapes tax policy? Disentangling CEO versus CFO ability in explaining corporate tax avoidance

Aan Marlinah,Nayla Luthfi Itsnani — 2026-03-26T08:17:45Z

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

Abstract

This study examines how corporate tax avoidance in Indonesia is affected by the generalist skills of chief executive officers (CEOs) and chief financial officers (CFOs). A multidimensional General Ability Index (GAI) is used to assess executive abilities following Custódio et al. (2013). Non-financial companies listed between 2022 and 2024 on the Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX) make up the sample. The three-year long-run effective tax rate (ETR) is used as a proxy for tax avoidance and is examined using panel data with a fixed-effects regression model. The results reveal a significant interaction effect within the CEO-CFO dyad. While CFOs with high generalist abilities are associated with more aggressive tax strategies, this tendency is attenuated when firms are led by CEOs with high generalist abilities. The interaction between the CEO and CFO functions as an internal governance mechanism that balances tax efficiency and regulatory compliance. This study extends upper echelons theory (Hambrick & Mason, 1984) by shifting the analytical focus from individual executive characteristics to CEO-CFO synergy in explaining corporate tax behavior. The findings imply that tax authorities should incorporate governance-based risk assessments, while firms may leverage CEO-CFO role alignment as a strategic tool for managing tax-related risks.

Keywords: Tax Avoidance, CEO, CFO, General Ability, Executive Characteristic

Authors' individual contributions: Conceptualization — A.M.; Methodology — A.M. and N.L.I.; Investigation — A.M. and N.L.I.; Resources — N.L.I.; Writing — Original Draft — A.M. and N.L.I.; Writing — Review & Editing — A.M. and N.L.I.; Supervision — A.M.

Declaration of conflicting interests: The Authors declare that there is no conflict of interest.

JEL Classification: D22, G34, H26, M12

Received: 30.01.2026
Revised: 06.03.2026; 16.03.2026
Accepted: 23.03.2026
Published online: 26.03.2026

How to cite this paper: Marlinah, A., & Itsnani, N. L. (2026). Who shapes tax policy? Disentangling CEO versus CFO ability in explaining corporate tax avoidance. Corporate Board: Role, Duties and Composition, 22(1), 116–128. https://doi.org/10.22495/cbv22i1art9

Board diversity and recruitment practices as drivers of women's advancement in executive positions

Rosa Santero-Sánchez,Mirian Izquierdo Barriuso,Mónica Segovia-Pérez — 2026-03-16T13:04:29Z

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

Abstract

This study examines gender quota regulations and their association with women's representation on the boards of Spanish IBEX companies between 2017 and 2024. Despite notable progress in board feminisation, women remain markedly underrepresented in executive roles, raising questions about how external regulation interacts with internal corporate governance (Saitua-Iribar et al., 2025). The research adopts a holistic framework and a mixed methods approach, combining longitudinal quantitative analysis of gender indicators with qualitative review of recruitment and compliance mechanisms. The sample comprises 25 companies continuously listed on the IBEX 35, providing a consistent basis for assessing regulatory developments. Findings indicate that female board representation increased from 23 per cent in 2017 to over 42 per cent in 2024, aligning with the European Union (EU) and Spanish targets, while only 7 per cent of women occupy executive board positions, reflecting limited spillover into top management. Firms with transparent recruitment processes and measurable diversity objectives tend to show higher compliance, whereas symbolic commitments hinder progress. Results are consistent with institutional and agency theories: quota frameworks may support numerical parity, yet structural barriers can continue to shape advancement pathways. Future progress may benefit from shifts toward deeper organisational commitment through integrated strategies linking regulation, governance codes, and succession planning.

Keywords: Board Gender Diversity, CEO, Executives, Gender Quotas, Corporate Regulation, Recruitment

Authors' individual contributions: Conceptualization — R.S.-S., M.I.B., and M.S.-P.; Methodology — R.S.-S. and M.S.-P.; Validation — R.S.-S. and M.S.-P.; Formal Analysis — R.S.-S.; Resources — M.I.B. and M.S.-P.; Data Curation — R.S.-S., Writing — Original Draft — R.S.-S., M.I.B., and M.S.-P.; Writing — Review & Editing — R.S.-S., M.I.B., and M.S.-P.; Visualization — M.S.-P.; Supervision — M.S.-P.; Project Administration — R.S.-S.; Funding Acquisition — R.S.-S. and M.I.B.

Declaration of conflicting interests: The Authors declare that there is no conflict of interest.

JEL Classification: G34, K22, M12, M14, Q56

Received: 14.01.2026
Revised: 20.02.2026; 06.03.2026
Accepted: 13.03.2026
Published online: 16.03.2026

How to cite this paper: Santero-Sánchez, R., Izquierdo Barriuso, M., & Segovia-Pérez, M. (2026). Board diversity and recruitment practices as drivers of women's advancement in executive positions. Corporate Board: Role, Duties and Composition, 22(1), 99–115. https://doi.org/10.22495/cbv22i1art8

The impact of board diversity on aggressive tax planning in GCC countries: Does the digital transformation matter?

2026-03-12T10:49:53Z

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

Abstract

In light of the growing concern of governments and society about aggressive tax behavior, which poses ethical questions and conflicts with their interests, this study is designed to investigate the relationship between board diversity and aggressive tax planning in commercial banks in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. It also examined the moderating effect of digital transformation on the former relationship. The study adopted 814 observations from GCC countries' banks from 2010 to 2020. Ordinary least squares (OLS) and generalized method of moments (GMM) were used to test the hypotheses. Normative (OLS) and dynamic (System-GMM) estimates indicate a consistent pattern whereby board diversity, specifically multiple memberships, gender diversity, and financial expertise, is linked to a significant decrease in the intensity of aggressive tax planning in GCC banks. These findings confirm that combining effective governance with digital transformation can constitute a dual strategy to enhance tax compliance, especially in emerging market environments experiencing rapid developments in digital infrastructure, such as the GCC countries.

Keywords: Board Diversity, Aggressive Tax Planning, Digital Transformation, GCC Countries

Authors' individual contributions: Conceptualization — A.M.S.; Methodology — A.M.S. and A.J.K.; Software — M.A.S. and A.M.S.; Validation — M.A.S. and A.M.S.; Formal Analysis — M.A.S. and A.M.S.; Data Curation — M.A.S. and A.M.S.; Investigation — A.J.K; Resources— A.F.S.; Writing — Original Draft — M.A.S. and A.M.K.; Writing — Review & Editing — M.A.S. and A.M.K.; Supervision — A.M.S.; Project Administration — A.M.S. and A.J.K.; Funding Acquisition — M.A.S. and A.M.S.

Declaration of conflicting interests: The Authors declare that there is no conflict of interest.

JEL Classification: G3, H26, M40, M41

Received: 26.09.2025
Revised: 23.01.2026; 03.03.2026
Accepted: 10.03.2026
Published online: 12.03.2026

How to cite this paper: Suwaid, M. A., Khalaf, A. M., Sadaa, A. M., Khalaf, A. J., & Saleh, A. F. (2026). The impact of board diversity on aggressive tax planning in GCC countries: Does the digital transformation matter? Corporate Board: Role, Duties and Composition, 22(1), 87–98. https://doi.org/10.22495/cbv22i1art7

ESG disclosures and firm profitability in an emerging market: The moderating roles of state ownership, board gender diversity, and board independence

2026-03-04T11:43:02Z

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

Abstract

This study examines the relationship between environmental, social, and governance (ESG) disclosures and firm profitability in Vietnam, a transitional emerging economy characterized by significant state ownership and evolving corporate governance structures. Drawing on stakeholder, agency, and resource dependence theories, and building on prior ESG-performance research largely conducted in developed markets (Alareeni & Hamdan, 2020; Rahi et al., 2024), we investigate whether the financial effects of ESG disclosures are contingent on governance conditions. Using panel data from 147 Vietnamese listed firms over the period 2014–2023 and fixed-effects regressions with Driscoll-Kraay robust standard errors, we analyze the effects of environmental (E), social (S), and governance (G) disclosures on return on assets (ROA). The results indicate that social and governance disclosures are positively associated with profitability, whereas environmental disclosure shows no significant short-term effect. Moreover, state ownership weakens the positive impacts of environmental and governance disclosures, board gender diversity amplifies the effect of governance disclosure, and board independence unexpectedly reduces the performance gains from environmental and social disclosures. These findings contribute to the ESG literature by demonstrating that ESG value creation is highly context-dependent and shaped by ownership structure and board characteristics, offering new evidence from an underexplored emerging market setting.

Keywords: ESG Disclosure, Firm Performance, State Ownership, Gender Diversity, Board Independence, Vietnam

Authors' individual contributions: Conceptualization — T.N.M.; Methodology — L.V.T.; Investigation — D.D.D.; Writing — Original Draft — P.N.T.T.; Writing — Review & Editing — P.N.T.T. and H.T.T.N.; Supervision — T.N.M.

Declaration of conflicting interests: The Authors declare that there is no conflict of interest.

JEL Classification: C33, G34, M14, Q56

Received: 23.12.2025
Revised: 06.02.2026; 23.02.2026
Accepted: 02.03.2026
Published online: 04.03.2026

How to cite this paper: Minh, T. N., Thanh, P. N. T., Ngoc, H. T. T., Thuy, L. V., & Dinh, D. D. (2026). ESG disclosures and firm profitability in an emerging market: The moderating roles of state ownership, board gender diversity, and board independence. Corporate Board: Role, Duties and Composition, 22(1), 74–86. https://doi.org/10.22495/cbv22i1art6

Board characteristics and firm financial performance: An empirical assessment of directors' composition, diversity, and CEO attributes

Syalsabila Nur Azmi,Ahmad Juanda,Agung Prasetyo Nugroho Wicaksono — 2026-02-27T10:09:51Z

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

Abstract

This study examines the impact of board characteristics and chief executive officer (CEO) attributes on firm financial performance in an emerging economy. Drawing on agency theory (Jensen & Meckling, 1979), the study investigates whether board composition, diversity, and leadership traits function as effective internal governance mechanisms in mitigating agency problems and enhancing firm performance. Using panel data from 24 non-financial companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX) over the period 2017–2024, financial performance is measured by return on assets (ROA). The empirical analysis employs panel regression techniques, with the common effect model (CEM) selected as the primary specification based on overall model fit, and robustness is further assessed using the two-step generalized method of moments (GMM). The results reveal that board size and board gender diversity have a positive and significant effect on firm financial performance, supporting the view that broader representation and diversity enhance monitoring and decision-making quality. In contrast, CEO tenure and CEO age exhibit a significant negative relationship with ROA, indicating potential managerial entrenchment and increased risk aversion associated with prolonged and senior leadership, consistent with prior governance research (Chowdhury & Fink, 2017). Other board attributes, such as average board age and meeting frequency, show no significant effect. Overall, this study contributes to the corporate governance literature by integrating CEO-specific characteristics into the agency framework and providing empirical evidence from Indonesia's concentrated ownership environment.

Keywords: Board Characteristics, CEO Age, CEO Tenure, Financial Performance, Agency Theory

Authors' individual contributions: Conceptualization — A.J.; Methodology — A.J.; Formal Analysis — A.J.; Data Curation — A.P.N.W.; Writing — Original Draft — S.N.A.; Writing — Review & Editing — S.N.A.; Supervision — A.J.

Declaration of conflicting interests: The Authors declare that there is no conflict of interest.

JEL Classification: G30, G34, J16, M12

Received: 13.12.2025
Revised: 30.01.2026; 16.02.2026
Accepted: 25.02.2026
Published online: 27.02.2026

How to cite this paper: Azmi, S. N., Juanda, A., & Wicaksono, A. P. N. (2026). Board characteristics and firm financial performance: An empirical assessment of directors' composition, diversity, and CEO attributes. Corporate Board: Role, Duties and Composition, 22(1), 62–73. https://doi.org/10.22495/cbv22i1art5

Network structure entropy, innovation, and corporate social responsibility: Evidence from interlocking director networks in China

Xiaoli Tang,Serxho Preka,Huizhe Zhang — 2026-02-20T08:43:48Z

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

Abstract

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) has become a central concern in corporate governance research; however, how firms' embeddedness in interlocking directorate networks influences CSR outcomes, and the internal mechanisms through which this influence operates, remain insufficiently understood. This paper employs social network analysis to construct company-level network structure entropy, measuring the embeddedness of firms within interlocking director networks (Freeman, 1979). Using panel data on Chinese A-share listed firms from 2015 to 2020, we examine the relationship between network embeddedness, innovation, executive tenure structure, and CSR performance. Our findings reveal that firms in advantageous network positions tend to demonstrate higher CSR engagement. Innovation acts as a crucial mediator, amplifying the positive impact of these networks on CSR. Specifically, firms with a culture of innovation leverage their network positions to drive CSR initiatives more effectively. Additionally, staggered chief executive officer (CEO) and chief financial officer (CFO) tenures further enhance the network-CSR relationship, particularly when CEO power is lower, consistent with insights from upper echelons theory (Hambrick & Mason, 1984). These insights highlight the importance of fostering innovation and strategic network positions for advancing CSR objectives in organizational governance.

Keywords: Corporate Social Responsibility, Interlocking Director Networks, Network Structure Entropy, Innovation, CEO Power, Executive Tenure

Authors' individual contributions: Conceptualization — X.T. and S.P.; Methodology — X.T. and S.P.; Formal Analysis — X.T. and H.Z.; Data Curation — X.T. and H.Z.; Writing — Original Draft — X.T. and S.P.; Writing — Review & Editing — X.T., S.P., and H.Z.

Declaration of conflicting interests: The Authors declare that there is no conflict of interest.

JEL Classification: D85, G30, G34, M14, M21

Received: 08.12.2025
Revised: 29.01.2026; 12.02.2026
Accepted: 18.02.2026
Published online: 20.02.2026

How to cite this paper: Tang, X., Preka, S., & Zhang, H. (2026). Network structure entropy, innovation, and corporate social responsibility: Evidence from interlocking director networks in China. Corporate Board: Role, Duties and Composition, 22(1), 46–61. https://doi.org/10.22495/cbv22i1art4

Diversity of first-line defense committee formation in improving the value of long commodity companies

2026-02-18T10:13:10Z

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

Abstract

The efficient organization of committees tasked with administrative supervision and risk management within the first-line defense structure is essential for robust corporate governance. This study examines the influence of diversity in first-line defense committees, specifically audit and nomination committees, on business value, as assessed by accounting performance, due to the nascent nature of this technique. The analysis concentrates on essential diversity characteristics, encompassing gender and member nationality. The research analyzes long-established companies in the commodity industry that are publicly traded on the Saudi financial market. Data were gathered from published annual financial reports spanning 2017 to 2022 and evaluated utilizing multiple regression approaches in EViews 10. The results demonstrate the existence of foreign representatives on both audit and nomination committees within the tested firms. Furthermore, the involvement of women in audit committees demonstrates a favorable and statistically significant correlation with business value. Conversely, female presence on nominating committees does not demonstrate a substantial correlation with firm value. These findings highlight the committee-specific impacts of diversity on company value in the Saudi setting. To strengthen the robustness and generalizability of these findings, subsequent research should integrate supplementary governance factors and broaden the analysis to encompass other institutional and economic contexts.

Keywords: Corporate Governance, First-line Defense, Committee Diversity, Commodity Companies, Firm Value, Board Composition, Risk Management, Organizational Performance, Emerging Markets

Authors' individual contributions: Conceptualization — S.H.A.; Methodology — I.A.E.E.; Software — B.B.A.B. and O.A.A.M.; Validation — E.H.E.M.; Formal Analysis — S.H.A. and N.H.A.A.; Investigation — I.A.E.E.; Resources — B.B.A.B.; Data Curation — O.A.A.M.; Writing — Original Draft — E.H.E.M.; Writing — Review & Editing — S.H.A., I.A.E.E., and N.H.A.A.; Visualization — B.B.A.B. and O.A.A.M.; Supervision — E.H.E.M.; Project Administration — N.H.A.A.; Funding Acquisition — S.H.A.

Declaration of conflicting interests: The Authors declare that there is no conflict of interest.

JEL Classification: D71, G32, H25, H83

Received: 03.11.2025
Revised: 20.12.2025; 30.01.2026
Accepted: 16.02.2026
Published online: 18.02.2026

How to cite this paper: Adam, S. H., Eltahir, I. A. E., Babiker, B. B. A., Mohammed, O. A. A., Musa, E. H. E., & Alnor, N. H. A. (2026). Diversity of first-line defense committee formation in improving the value of long commodity companies. Corporate Board: Role, Duties and Composition, 22(1), 33–45. https://doi.org/10.22495/cbv22i1art3

Auditor independence and financial reporting: The moderating contextual variables: A case of emerging market banks

Bader Mustafa Mahmoud Al Sharif — 2026-01-30T09:32:56Z

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

Abstract

This research investigates the relationship between external auditor independence and the financial reporting quality (FRQ) in the banking sector of Jordan. It specifically examines the mediation role of corporate governance, environment, auditor tenure, fees, size of the auditing firms, and bank-related factors. A partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) approach is used to analyze survey findings based on 287 responses from financial experts of commercial and Islamic banks. Findings have found that auditor independence has a strong and direct positive association with FRQ. Corporate governance and environments are found to have significant mediations, suggesting that auditor independence is more effective within strong institutional environments. However, auditor tenure has been found to have a non-linear moderation effect. It implies that moderate tenure increases FRQ, while excess engagement weakens independence. Findings also negate any association of fees, size of auditing firms, and bank-related factors (Nguyen et al., 2023; Okoh & Audu, 2024). Research contributes to theories of agency and institutions by placing a strong emphasis on the importance of governance and environments in facilitating auditor independence. These findings also underscore the importance of implementing effective regulatory practices in developing countries worldwide.

Keywords: Auditor Independence, Financial Reporting Quality, Emerging Markets, Regulatory Environment, Ownership Structure, Firm Size, PLS-SEM

Authors' individual contributions: The Author is responsible for all the contributions to the paper according to credit (Contributor Roles Taxonomy) standards.

Declaration of conflicting interests: The Author declares that there is no conflict of interest.

JEL Classification: G21, G38, L51, M41, M42

Received: 24.05.2025
Revised: 31.10.2025; 14.11.2025; 20.01.2026
Accepted: 27.01.2026
Published online: 30.01.2026

How to cite this paper: Al Sharif, B. M. M. (2026). Auditor independence and financial reporting: The moderating contextual variables: A case of emerging market banks. Corporate Board: Role, Duties and Composition, 22(1), 23–32. https://doi.org/10.22495/cbv22i1art2

Cybersecurity disclosure, board oversight, and financial performance: Evidence from European banking

Marwan Mansour,Bilal Nayef Zureigat ,Abdulaziz Alkhlifhalsaeed,Ahmed Alkhatib — 2025-12-30T17:11:59Z

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

Abstract

This study investigates whether voluntary cybersecurity disclosure (CSD) operates as a value-relevant governance mechanism in European banking. Drawing on stakeholder, agency, and signaling theories, we argue that credible cyber transparency reduces information asymmetry, strengthens legitimacy, and signals operational resilience to investors and regulators (Berkman et al., 2018; Alsadoun & Albaz, 2025). Using an unbalanced panel of 5,742 bank-year observations from 638 banks across 25 European countries (2014–2022), we construct a binary CSD indicator based on manual content analysis of annual reports and estimate pooled ordinary least squares (OLS), fixed-effects (FE), and two-step system generalized method of moments (GMM) models. The results show that CSD is positively associated with both accounting performance (return on equity, ROE) and market valuation (Tobin's Q). These effects are stronger in banks with higher leverage and stronger board oversight, including greater audit committee expertise, board gender diversity, independence, and board skills. Our findings suggest that CSD is not merely a compliance exercise but a board-level governance tool that enhances financial outcomes and supports emerging regulatory initiatives such as the Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA). The study offers policy-relevant insights for regulators, investors, and bank executives seeking to align digital resilience with sustainable financial performance.

Keywords: Cybersecurity Disclosure, Corporate Governance, Board Oversight, Corporate Reporting, Bank Performance, Europe

Authors' individual contributions: Conceptualization — M.M.; Methodology — M.M.; Software — M.M. and B.N.Z.; Validation — B.N.Z.; Formal Analysis — M.M. and B.N.Z.; Investigation — Ab.A.; Resources — Ab.A.; Data Curation — B.N.Z.; Writing — Original Draft — M.M.; Writing — Review & Editing — B.N.Z., Ab.A., and Ah.A.; Visualization — M.M. and B.N.Z.; Supervision — M.M.; Project Administration — Ah.A.; Funding Acquisition — Ah.A.

Declaration of conflicting interests: The Authors declare that there is no conflict of interest.

JEL Classification: G21, G32, G34, K22, M41

Received: 19.09.2025
Revised: 09.12.2025; 24.12.2025
Accepted: 29.12.2025
Published online: 30.12.2025

How to cite this paper: Mansour, M., Zureigat, B. N., Alkhlifhalsaeed, A., & Alkhatib, A. (2026). Cybersecurity disclosure, board oversight, and financial performance: Evidence from European banking. Corporate Board: Role, Duties and Composition, 22(1), 8–22. https://doi.org/10.22495/cbv22i1art1

2025-12-22T09:44:24Z

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Editorial: Reframing corporate governance — From formal compliance to functional expertise

Pedro B. Água — 2025-12-22T09:43:49Z

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

This issue of the journal "Corporate Board: Role, Duties and Composition" was published on December 22, 2025.

By clicking the button "Download This Article" below you will gain direct access to the Editorial of the issue.

How to cite: Água, P. B. (2025). Editorial: Reframing corporate governance — From formal compliance to functional expertise. Corporate Board: Role, Duties and Composition, 21(4), 4–6. https://doi.org/10.22495/cbv21i4editorial

The role of the board of directors' gender diversity moderation in the relationship between carbon emissions and ESG performance

Nadya Elmaliya Putri,Ahmad Juanda,Agung Prasetyo Nugroho Wicaksono — 2025-12-19T14:16:38Z

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

Abstract

This study examines the relationship between corporate carbon emissions and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance while evaluating the moderating influence of board gender diversity within Indonesia's regulatory environment. Drawing on resource dependence theory (RDT), the analysis positions board composition as a strategic governance mechanism through which firms secure essential resources, including stakeholder legitimacy, environmental expertise, and enhanced oversight, to respond to sustainability pressures. Using panel data from publicly listed firms between 2014 and 2024 and employing fixed effects and lagged regression models, the findings show a positive association between carbon emissions and subsequent ESG performance, indicating that firms with higher environmental exposure tend to strengthen their sustainability disclosures. Although board gender diversity does not directly affect ESG outcomes, it reinforces governance structures that enable more transparent and accountable environmental practices. The study highlights limitations within Indonesia's compliance-oriented ESG framework and underscores the need for governance-focused reforms to improve the credibility and effectiveness of sustainability reporting.

Keywords: Board Gender Diversity, Carbon Emissions, Corporate Governance, ESG Performance, Resource Dependence Theory (RDT)

Authors' individual contributions: Conceptualization — A.J.; Methodology — A.J.; Formal Analysis — A.J.; Data Curation — A.P.N.W.; Writing — Original Draft — N.E.P.; Writing — Review & Editing — N.E.P.; Supervision — A.J.

Declaration of conflicting interests: The Authors declare that there is no conflict of interest.

JEL Classification: G34, J16, M14, O16, Q56

Received: 28.10.2025
Revised: 09.12.2025; 12.12.2025
Accepted: 17.12.2025
Published online: 19.12.2025

How to cite this paper: Putri, N. E., Juanda, A., & Wicaksono, A. P. N. (2025). The role of the board of directors' gender diversity moderation in the relationship between carbon emissions and ESG performance. Corporate Board: Role, Duties and Composition, 21(4), 56–67. https://doi.org/10.22495/cbv21i4art5

Top management team, Islamic religiosity, corporate governance, and earnings management: A systematic literature review

Sarlina Sari,Dodik Siswantoro,Hilda Rossieta,Nureni Wijayati — 2025-12-16T15:49:53Z

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

Abstract

This study systematically reviews and synthesizes empirical evidence on the role of corporate governance in moderating the relationship between Islamic religiosity of the top management teams (TMT) and earnings management. It examines how Islamic religiosity of the TMT affects earnings management practices, how corporate governance mechanisms help constrain such practices, and to what extent corporate governance strengthens or weakens the effect of Islamic religiosity on earnings management. Using a systematic literature review (SLR) guided by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2020 protocol, publications from 2009 to 2025 were collected from six major databases. From 224 initial studies, a rigorous screening and thematic synthesis produced 35 relevant articles. Findings show that the Islamic religiosity of TMTs generally reduces earnings management, as moral and ethical values foster honesty and accountability. However, this effect weakens under external or organizational pressures. Corporate governance plays a key role in limiting earnings management and moderates the Islamic religiosity-earnings management relationship. This study highlights that effective governance combined with religious integrity enhances transparency and accountability. The findings provide both theoretical and practical insights for strengthening ethical leadership and financial reporting quality.

Keywords: Islamic Religiosity, Top Management Team, Corporate Governance, Earnings Management

Authors' individual contributions: Conceptualization — S.S., D.S., H.R., and N.W.; Methodology — S.S. and D.S.; Formal Analysis — S.S.; Data Curation — S.S.; Writing — Original Draft — S.S.; Writing — Review & Editing — D.S., H.R., and N.W.; Visualization — S.S.; Supervision — D.S., H.R., and N.W.; Project Administration — S.S.

Declaration of conflicting interests: The Authors declare that there is no conflict of interest.

JEL Classification: G3, L2, M4

Received: 23.09.2025
Revised: 14.10.2025; 31.10.2025; 30.11.2025
Accepted: 12.12.2025
Published online: 16.12.2025

How to cite this paper: Sari, S., Siswantoro, D., Rossieta, H., & Wijayati, N. (2025). Top management team, Islamic religiosity, corporate governance, and earnings management: A systematic literature review. Corporate Board: Role, Duties and Composition, 21(4), 40–55. https://doi.org/10.22495/cbv21i4art4

The role of audit committee compositions in influencing the quality of financial reporting

Mohammed Khalaf Alshammari — 2025-12-03T11:33:57Z

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

Abstract

An audit committee (AC) is crucial for corporate governance (CG) as it enhances the financial reporting environment and helps prevent corporate and stock market collapses. This research aimed to determine the influence of AC compositions on the quality of financial reporting. The study measured the underlying components of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), such as relevance, faithful representation, understandability, and comparability, by using the financial reporting quality index (FRQI) provided by van Beest et al. (2009), Agyei-Mensah (2022). The sample included 500 observations of 100 non-financial corporate entities from 2019 to 2023 in Saudi Arabia. It was analysed using a number of diagnostic tests and model specification, including ordinary least squares (OLS) regression, fixed effect model (FEM), random effects model (REM), and multicollinearity and autocorrelation tests. Conceptual principles derived from resource dependency and agency theories explain the outcomes of our examination. The study found empirical evidence of a significant and positive effect of an AC's financial expertise and inclusion of independent members on the quality of financial reporting. The study may provide useful insights into regulatory bodies, investors, and moneylenders regarding the factors, especially from a qualitative perspective of financial reporting, that affect financial reporting quality (FRQ).

Keywords: Audit Committee, Qualitative Characteristics, Corporate Governance, Financial Reporting Quality, Agency Theory, Resource Dependency Theory

Authors' individual contributions: The Author is responsible for all the contributions to the paper according to CRediT (Contributor Roles Taxonomy) standards.

Declaration of conflicting interests: The Author declares that there is no conflict of interest.

JEL Classification: M0, M40, M41, M42, M48, M49

Received: 06.07.2025
Revised: 26.10.2025; 07.11.2025
Accepted: 01.12.2025
Published online: 03.12.2025

How to cite this paper: Alshammari, M. K. (2025). The role of audit committee compositions in influencing the quality of financial reporting. Corporate Board: Role, Duties and Composition, 21(4), 29–39. https://doi.org/10.22495/cbv21i4art3

Industry-expert independent directors and corporate governance: A systematic literature review

Alexander Maune — 2025-11-27T10:29:45Z

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

Abstract

This study systematically analyzes corporate board composition with a focus on the critical role of industry-expert independent directors (IEIDs). A systematic literature review (SLR) was conducted using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) framework (Khan et al., 2025). Searches across major academic databases, including Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar, were limited to English-language, peer-reviewed studies published between 2000 and 2024. The search yielded 1,482 initial citations. After the screening process, 28 studies met the eligibility criteria for final analysis. The findings confirm that Zimbabwean corporate governance is narrowly focused, with a critical lack of scholarly attention on the specific expertise of independent directors. This contrasts sharply with regional best practices that emphasize industrial skill on boards. Zimbabwean governance codes remain vague on this dimension, leading to boards that formally meet independence requirements but lack the critical industrial foresight (Sifile et al., 2021; Nyakurukwa & Seetharam, 2023). The study provides evidence-based recommendations for policymakers and regulators. Explicitly mandating and strongly encouraging the inclusion of IEIDs would enhance board effectiveness and decision-making quality. This study is the first to use a PRISMA-based systematic review to analyze the missing role of IEIDs.

Keywords: Corporate Board Composition, Corporate Governance, Independent Directors, Systematic Literature Review, Industry-Expert Independent Directors, Zimbabwe

Authors' individual contributions: The Author is responsible for all the contributions to the paper according to CRediT (Contributor Roles Taxonomy) standards.

Declaration of conflicting interests: The Author declares that there is no conflict of interest.

JEL Classification: G32, G34, O16

Received: 31.08.2025
Revised: 23.09.2025; 08.10.2025; 07.11.2025
Accepted: 25.11.2025
Published online: 27.11.2025

How to cite this paper: Maune, A. (2025). Industry-expert independent directors and corporate governance: A systematic literature review. Corporate Board: Role, Duties and Composition, 21(4), 18–28. https://doi.org/10.22495/cbv21i4art2

Company secretaries' commercial attributes as moderators of CEO succession and real earnings management: A conceptual framework in the Malaysian public-listed companies

Mohd Azuwan Khalidi,Nur Ashikin Mohd Saat — 2025-11-25T10:50:20Z

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

Abstract

This paper develops a conceptual corporate governance (CG) framework to address the persistent challenge of real earnings management (REM) in emerging markets, focusing on Malaysia. Despite regulatory reforms, REM remains pervasive due to enforcement gaps, concentrated ownership, and market pressures. Chief executive officer (CEO) succession, particularly involving early-tenure or heir-apparent appointments, heightens the risk of REM by exposing transitional governance weaknesses. The purpose of this study is to examine how the company secretaries' commercial attributes (CSCOMM) may moderate these risks. Drawing on agency theory and resource dependence theory (RDT), the framework highlights financial expertise, strategic insight, risk management capacity, and governance engagement as attributes that enhance oversight. By extending Kakabadse et al.'s (2016) attribute model and building on recent insights by Khalidi et al. (2025), the paper advances the conceptualisation of company secretaries as both governance resources and internal control agents. The framework contributes to theory by clarifying the moderating role of CSCOMM on CEO succession and REM, and to practice by offering guidance for boards, regulators, and professional accountancy bodies. It also outlines an agenda for empirical research on Malaysian public-listed companies (PLCs), thereby informing governance reforms in emerging markets.

Keywords: Real Earnings Management, Company Secretaries' Commercial Attributes, CEO Succession and Planning, Board Membership Duality, CEO Duality, General Counsel Duality

Authors' individual contributions: Conceptualization — M.A.K.; Methodology — M.AK. and N.A.M.S.; Investigation — M.A.K.; Writing — Original Draft — M.A.K.; Writing — Review & Editing — M.A.K. and N.A.M.S.; Visualization — M.A.K.; Supervision — N.A.M.S.; Project Administration — N.A.M.S.

Declaration of conflicting interests: The Authors declare that there is no conflict of interest.

JEL Classification: G34, M14, M48

Received: 22.08.2025
Revised: 03.10.2025; 12.11.2025
Accepted: 21.11.2025
Published online: 25.11.2025

How to cite this paper: Khalidi, M. A., & Mohd Saat, N. A. (2025). Company secretaries' commercial attributes as moderators of CEO succession and real earnings management: A conceptual framework in the Malaysian public-listed companies. Corporate Board: Role, Duties and Composition, 21(4), 8–17. https://doi.org/10.22495/cbv21i4art1

2025-11-18T10:12:53Z

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Editorial: Contemporary board governance at the intersection of behaviour, diversity, and accountability

Patrice Gélinas — 2025-11-18T10:11:56Z

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

This issue of the journal "Corporate Board: Role, Duties and Composition" was published on November 18, 2025.

By clicking the button "Download This Article" below you will gain direct access to the Editorial of the issue.

How to cite: Gélinas, P. (2025). Editorial: Contemporary board governance at the intersection of behaviour, diversity, and accountability. Corporate Board: Role, Duties and Composition, 21(3), 4–6. https://doi.org/10.22495/cbv21i3editorial

Political ties of female directors and ESG: The mediating role of environmental attention

2025-11-17T17:07:00Z

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

Abstract

We study whether environmental attention mediates the link between female directors' political background (FDPB) and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance in Chinese A-Share listed companies from 2018 to 2022 (21,145 firm-years). Guided by upper echelons theory (UET), the attention-based view (ABV), and resource dependence theory (RDT), we test mediation using ordinary least squares (OLS) and firm-year fixed-effects models with clustered errors. OLS shows a positive total effect of FDPB on ESG, but environmental attention is negatively associated with ESG, yielding inconsistent mediation (suppression). In fixed-effects, the FDPB-ESG link becomes statistically insignificant, while the negative attention-ESG association persists. These results suggest politically connected female directors may directly improve ESG via resource access and legitimacy, yet measured environmental attention — likely capturing reactive/problem-focused discourse — correlates with lower ESG ratings. We recommend distinguishing quantity vs. quality of attention, and aligning board attention with executive follow-through. The study adds to corporate governance and ESG scholarship by clarifying when and how politically connected women directors shape sustainability outcomes in China.

Keywords: Female Directors, Political Connections, Environmental Attention, ESG Performance, Mediation Analysis, Chinese Listed Companies, Board Diversity, Corporate Governance, Sustainability, Resource Dependence Theory

Authors' individual contributions: Conceptualization — L.W. and S.N.A.; Methodology — L.W., S.N.A., and J.S.T.; Validation — J.S.T. and M.S.; Formal Analysis — L.W. and M.S.; Investigation — L.W., M.S., and Z.Y.; Resources — Z.Y. and K.L.; Data Curation — L.W., M.S., and K.L.; Writing — Original Draft — L.W.; Writing — Review & Editing — S.N.A., J.S.T., M.S., Z.Y., and K.L.; Visualization — L.W. and J.S.T.; Supervision — S.N.A.; Project Administration — Z.Y.; Funding Acquisition — S.N.A.

Declaration of conflicting interests: The Authors declare that there is no conflict of interest.

JEL Classification: C33, D83, G34, M14, Q56

Received: 09.09.2025
Revised: 10.10.2025; 04.11.2025
Accepted: 14.11.2025
Published online: 17.11.2025

How to cite this paper: Wang, L., Abdullah, S. N., See Toh, J. S., Sun, M., Yang, Z., & Li, K. (2025). Political ties of female directors and ESG: The mediating role of environmental attention. Corporate Board: Role, Duties and Composition, 21(3), 87–96. https://doi.org/10.22495/cbv21i3art8

Evaluating the effectiveness of internal control systems: Evidence from financial and audit performance data

2025-11-07T10:10:30Z

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

Abstract

Internal control systems are fundamental to effective corporate governance, financial clarity, and operational integrity. This study examines the efficacy of internal control guidelines across a group of companies by combining a theoretical framework with quantitative analysis informed by financial and operational data. A mixed-methods approach is employed, integrating empirical analyses derived from company-level data assessed in Microsoft Excel with a comprehensive literature review. Key performance indicators, such as audit results, profitability metrics, and compliance outcomes, are utilized to assess the effectiveness of internal controls in guaranteeing accountability and performance. The findings align with prior research (Doyle et al., 2007) showing that internal control weaknesses are significantly associated with restatements and lower-quality reporting, while also supporting evidence that effective controls can reduce audit costs over time (Aobdia, 2019). The results indicate that effectively structured and regularly enforced internal control systems are associated with improved operational efficiency, stronger financial reporting, and fewer discrepancies. The study also considers the potential effects of control strength on stock performance and investor confidence. It concludes with practical recommendations for improving internal control implementation and highlights the broader implications for auditors, regulators, and executives seeking to align internal control methodologies with long-term organizational goals.

Keywords: Internal Control Systems, Audit Fees, Financial Reporting Quality, Corporate Governance, Restatements, Operational Performance

Authors' individual contributions: Conceptualization — N.D.B.; Methodology — N.D.B. and D.V.; Software — D.V.; Validation — D.V.; Formal Analysis — C.G.K. and A.E.F.; Investigation — D.V.; Resources — A.E.F.; Data Curation — C.G.K.; Writing — Original Draft — N.D.B. and D.V.; Writing — Review & Editing — C.G.K. and A.E.F.; Visualization — A.E.F.; Supervision — N.D.B.; Project Administration — N.D.B.; Funding Acquisition — C.G.K.

Declaration of conflicting interests: The Authors declare that there is no conflict of interest.

JEL Classification: G34, M41, M42

Received: 11.08.2025
Revised: 23.09.2025; 31.10.2025
Accepted: 06.11.2025
Published online: 07.11.2025

How to cite this paper: Belesis, N. D., Kampouris, C. G., Fousteris, A. E., & Varouxis, D. (2025). Evaluating the effectiveness of internal control systems: Evidence from financial and audit performance data. Corporate Board: Role, Duties and Composition, 21(3), 76–86. https://doi.org/10.22495/cbv21i3art7

Examining the impact of board composition on environmental, social, and governance disclosure

Maria Assunta Baldini,Graziella Sicoli,Maurizio Rija,Giovanni Bronzetti — 2025-11-05T11:45:39Z

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

Abstract

Given the world's complex and pressing environmental and social challenges, businesses must effectively represent their approach to sustainability by informing stakeholders about how they have decided to mitigate the effects of their actions and capitalize on sustainability-related opportunities. Stakeholders put pressure on businesses to make responsible decisions by upholding high environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards and minimizing their impact on society and the environment. The board of directors is responsible for aligning corporate conduct with the needs of all stakeholders and steering the firm toward long-term growth processes. The purpose of this paper is to look into how some corporate governance variables affect ESG disclosure in Italian listed companies. More specifically, the paper looks into how board composition affects ESG disclosure and whether gender diversity on boards has a positive impact on ESG disclosure. To fulfill the research goal, the sample investigated is all firms registered on the Italian stock exchange, excluding financials, from 2018 to 2022. In terms of methodology, a basic linear regression model that takes into account numerous properties of the board of directors was performed. The ESG score was obtained using the Refinitiv database, while the other statistics were obtained from the individual corporations' corporate governance reports. The research findings allow us to highlight the impact of diversity on boards in ESG disclosure, confirming that there is a positive and significant relationship. As a result, the research contributes to a better practical and theoretical understanding of the critical role that gender diversity plays in boosting corporate governance and ESG best practices through increased corporate openness and accountability. The study's findings may serve as a motivation for policymakers and social regulators to continue to push initiatives and changes that promote gender equality on corporate boards. All because a diverse board of directors fosters better sustainable governance, leading investors to view companies engaged in ESG activities as a safer investment.

Keywords: Board Size, Diversity, Board, Governance, ESG, Sustainability

Authors' individual contributions: Conceptualization — M.A.B., G.S., M.R., and G.B.; Methodology — M.A.B., G.S., M.R., and G.B.; Software — M.A.B., G.S., M.R., and G.B.; Validation — M.A.B., G.S., M.R., and G.B.; Formal Analysis — M.A.B., G.S., M.R., and G.B.; Investigation — M.A.B., G.S., M.R., and G.B.; Resources — M.A.B., G.S., M.R., and G.B.; Data Curation — M.A.B., G.S., M.R., and G.B.; Writing — M.A.B., G.S., M.R., and G.B.; Funding Acquisition — M.A.B., G.S., M.R., and G.B.

Declaration of conflicting interests: The Authors declare that there is no conflict of interest.

JEL Classification: M14, M41

Received: 11.07.2025
Revised: 12.10.2025; 24.10.2025
Accepted: 03.11.2025
Published online: 05.11.2025

How to cite this paper: Baldini, M. A., Sicoli, G., Rija, M., & Bronzetti, G. (2025). Examining the impact of board composition on environmental, social, and governance disclosure. Corporate Board: Role, Duties and Composition, 21(3), 68–75. https://doi.org/10.22495/cbv21i3art6

Leadership styles and their impact on workplace engagement: Insights from emerging enterprises

2025-10-16T14:04:51Z

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

Abstract

Leadership style significantly shapes employee behavior and organizational outcomes, especially within dynamic and resource-constrained environments such as startups. This study investigates the influence of transformational, transactional, and laissez-faire leadership styles on organizational citizenship behavior (OCB) among employees in Philippine startup companies. Drawing on transformational leadership theory and social exchange theory, the study addresses the gap in contextualized research on leadership's impact in emerging startup ecosystems (Arokiasamy, 2016). A quantitative research design was employed using structured survey questionnaires distributed to employees across various startup sectors. Statistical analysis revealed that transformational leadership is positively associated with higher levels of OCB, while laissez-faire leadership tends to correspond with decreased team cohesion and satisfaction. Transactional leadership showed mixed outcomes depending on the dimension of OCB. The study concludes that emotionally intelligent and empowering leadership practices foster employee engagement and extra-role behaviors crucial to startup success. These findings provide valuable insights for startup founders and human resources (HR) practitioners seeking to build resilient and high-performing teams. This paper contributes to the literature by contextualizing leadership-OCB dynamics within the Philippine startup environment.

Keywords: Leadership Styles, Organizational Citizenship Behavior, Emotional Labor, Philippines Startup Industry, Strategic Leadership Plan

Authors' individual contributions: Conceptualization — K.L.A., C.Y.P., N.M.S., and L.T.L.; Methodology — K.L.A., C.Y.P., N.M.S., and L.T.L.; Software — N.M.S. and L.T.L.; Validation — K.L.A. and C.Y.P.; Formal Analysis — N.M.S. and L.T.L.; Investigation — K.L.A., C.Y.P., N.M.S., and L.T.L.; Resources — K.L.A., C.Y.P., N.M.S., and L.T.L.; Data Curation — K.L.A. and C.Y.P.; Writing — K.L.A., C.Y.P., N.M.S., and L.T.L.; Visualization — K.L.A. and L.T.L.; Supervision — K.L.A. and C.Y.P.

Declaration of conflicting interests: The Authors declare that there is no conflict of interest.

JEL Classification: L26, M12, M13

Received: 02.03.2025
Revised: 05.07.2025; 02.10.2025
Accepted: 13.10.2025
Published online: 16.10.2025

How to cite this paper: Armas, K. L., Pacubas, C. Y., Secretaria, N. M., & Lucero, L. T., Jr. (2025). Leadership styles and their impact on workplace engagement: Insights from emerging enterprises. Corporate Board: Role, Duties and Composition, 21(3), 60–67. https://doi.org/10.22495/cbv21i3art5

The role of board size, environmental indicators, and corporate reputation on environmental, social, and governance performance

Bunga Maxel Iliany,Linda Kusumaning Wedari — 2025-10-07T08:37:25Z

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

Abstract

Anthropogenic climate change increases biodiversity risks, with projections indicating potential global-scale biodiversity loss. Greenhouse gas emissions also affect global energy stability, intensifying extreme weather such as heat waves, floods, and droughts. In response, sustainability reporting has become mandatory in many regions, including Indonesia, to support Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) commitments and net-zero initiatives. This study investigates the determinants of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance using Bloomberg's ESG score, which evaluates the three pillars based on corporate disclosures. The sample includes 105 companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX) from 2018 to 2022, generating 525 firm-year observations. Governance is measured by board size, environmental performance by carbon intensity and energy use, and the social pillar by corporate reputation from the IDX reputational index. Panel regression results show that board size positively and significantly affects ESG performance, suggesting larger boards improve decision-making (Albitar et al., 2020). By contrast, environmental performance has a significant but negative association with ESG performance (Chen et al., 2020; Kusumawati & Murwaningsari, 2023). These findings advance ESG research in emerging markets and provide practical insights for regulators, emphasizing the need for more targeted policies to enhance corporate roles in achieving climate change mitigation goals.

Keywords: Sustainability, ESG Performance, Board Size, Carbon Intensity, Energy Consumption

Authors' individual contributions: Conceptualization — B.M.L. and L.K.W.; Methodology — B.M.L. and L.K.W.; Software — B.M.L.; Validation — B.M.L. and L.K.W.; Formal Analysis — B.M.L.; Investigation — B.M.L. and L.K.W.; Resources — B.M.L.; Data Curation — B.M.L.; Writing — Original Draft — B.M.L.; Writing — Review & Editing — L.K.W.; Visualization — B.M.L. and L.K.W.; Supervision — L.K.W.; Project Administration — L.K.W.

Declaration of conflicting interests: The Authors declare that there is no conflict of interest.

JEL Classification: D83, G34, L25, M41, Q54

Received: 13.08.2025
Revised: 21.09.2025; 30.09.2025
Accepted: 03.10.2025
Published online: 07.10.2025

How to cite this paper: Iliany, B. M., & Wedari, L. K. (2025). The role of board size, environmental indicators, and corporate reputation on environmental, social, and governance performance. Corporate Board: Role, Duties and Composition, 21(3), 48–59. https://doi.org/10.22495/cbv21i3art4

Gender diversity and bank performance in developing countries: The moderating effect of culture

Hicham Sbai,Hicham Meghouar,Oumaima Benaguid — 2025-09-10T09:02:35Z

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between women on the board of directors and bank performance under the moderating effect of national culture. The study is conducted on a sample of 134 listed commercial banks from 15 emerging countries belonging to the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) and Central Asia regions over a nine-year period (2012–2020). Results obtained show that the presence of women on the board is negatively and significantly correlated with financial performance. In an environment with high levels of individualism and of power distance, the presence of women on boards negatively impacts banks' performance. Our results corroborate the findings of Bhatia et al. (2023) and Talavera et al. (2018). When examining the interaction between cultural dimensions and board gender diversity, we find that gender diversity generally has a positive effect on bank performance. However, this positive relationship weakens in countries with higher levels of masculinity. In highly masculine cultures, the net effect may even become negative, highlighting the moderating role of cultural context. The presence of women on the board continues to exert a negative effect on financial performance in Islamic banks. Our results are robust to the use of an alternative measure of gender diversity and to endogeneity tests.

Keywords: Gender Diversity, Islamic Banks, Governance, Culture, Financial Performance

Authors' individual contributions: Conceptualization — H.S. and H.M.; Methodology — H.S.; Investigation — H.M.; Resources — O.B.; Writing — Original Draft — H.S.; Writing — Review & Editing — H.M. and O.B.

Declaration of conflicting interests: The Authors declare that there is no conflict of interest.

JEL Classification: G15, G21, G34, M14

Received: 17.04.2025
Revised: 27.06.2025; 20.08.2025
Accepted: 08.09.2025
Published online: 10.09.2025

How to cite this paper: Sbai, H., Meghouar, H., & Benaguid, O. (2025). Gender diversity and bank performance in developing countries: The moderating effect of culture. Corporate Board: Role, Duties and Composition, 21(3), 35–47. https://doi.org/10.22495/cbv21i3art3

Top managers and overconfidence: Are there age-related differences?

Juliana Osmani,Sanie Doda — 2025-08-29T08:34:06Z

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

Abstract

The external environment in which organizations operate is becoming more and more dynamic, and as a result, strategic managers have to make decisions under uncertainty and complexity conditions, often based on intuition. Intuitive decision-making is fast and requires little effort, but relies on immediate and unconscious judgments. Cognitive biases affect organizational performance, sometimes with positive effects and others with negative ones. This study investigates the financial sector in Albania, and is based on the upper echelons perspective, trying to examine how age influences overconfidence bias for top managers. It attempts to identify factors and discover possible correlations between them, in order to elaborate some conclusions about managers' demographic characteristics and organizational strategic choices and performance. By employing a quantitative approach, the results of this study provide important implications for both academic and practical levels, in an attempt to investigate the challenges of strategic decision-making. In this research have participated 254 top managers, including chief executive officers (CEOs), chief operating officers (COOs), and chief financial officers (CFOs). According to the findings, there is no significant relationship between the age of C-level executives and overconfidence. By analyzing the complex impact of age on decision-making, this study seeks to contribute to a deeper understanding within the fields of strategic management and organizational performance.

Keywords: Strategic Decision-Making, Top Managers, Overconfidence, Age, Organizational Performance

Authors' individual contributions: Conceptualization — J.O. and S.D.; Methodology — J.O. and S.D.; Validation — J.O. and S.D.; Formal Analysis — J.O. and S.D.; Investigation — J.O. and S.D.; Resources — J.O. and S.D.; Writing — Original Draft — J.O. and S.D.; Writing — Review & Editing — J.O. and S.D.; Visualization — J.O.; Supervision — J.O.; Funding Acquisition — J.O. and S.D.

Declaration of conflicting interests: The Authors declare that there is no conflict of interest.

JEL Classification: D91, G41, L20, M10

Received: 31.03.2025
Revised: 14.07.2025; 30.07.2025
Accepted: 27.08.2025
Published online: 29.08.2025

How to cite this paper: Osmani, J., & Doda, S. (2025). Top managers and overconfidence: Are there age-related differences? Corporate Board: Role, Duties and Composition, 21(3), 24–34. https://doi.org/10.22495/cbv21i3art2

Beyond administration: Unveiling the strategic role of company secretaries in corporate governance — A systematic literature review

Mohd Azuwan Khalidi,Nur Ashikin Mohd Saat,Yeng Wai Lau,Fatima Abdul Hamid — 2025-08-27T12:31:49Z

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

Abstract

The strategic role of company secretaries in corporate governance remains underdeveloped in academic discourse, despite their statutory presence and growing influence within board structures (Kakabadse et al., 2014; Tricker, 2019). This paper addresses this gap by systematically reviewing the evolving functions of company secretaries, with particular attention to their technical, commercial, and social attributes. The study employs a systematic literature review (SLR) methodology, guided by Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) protocols, and synthesises findings from 16 peer-reviewed publications spanning from 1993 to 2024. The results indicate a discernible shift in perception — from administrative facilitators to governance professionals who contribute to board effectiveness, regulatory compliance, and strategic communication. These findings are examined through the lenses of agency theory, stakeholders' theory, resource dependence theory, and signalling theory. The review highlights notable jurisdictional and sectoral differences, particularly between developed and emerging markets, and identifies the increasing relevance of company secretaries in high-regulation industries such as financial services. The study concludes by emphasising the need for institutional empowerment and greater integration of company secretaries into strategic governance processes. This research contributes to the literature by bridging theoretical insights with practical implications, offering valuable guidance for scholars, regulators, and practitioners seeking to enhance governance quality through the expanded utilisation of company secretaries.

Keywords: Company Secretary, Corporate Governance, Systematic Literature Review, Governance Attributes, Regulatory Compliance

Authors' individual contributions: Conceptualization — M.A.K.; Methodology — M.A.K. and N.A.M.S.; Investigation — M.A.K.; Writing — Original Draft — M.A.K.; Writing — Review & Editing — N.A.M.S., Y.W.L., and F.A.H.; Visualization — M.A.K.; Supervision — N.A.M.S., Y.W.L., and F.A.H.; Project Administration — N.A.M.S.

Declaration of conflicting interests: The Authors declare that there is no conflict of interest.

JEL Classification: G34, M14, M48

Received: 14.03.2025
Revised: 29.05.2025; 18.08.2025
Accepted: 26.08.2025
Published online: 27.08.2025

How to cite this paper: Khalidi, M. A., Mohd Saat, N. A., Lau, Y. W., & Abdul Hamid, F. (2025). Beyond administration: Unveiling the strategic role of company secretaries in corporate governance — A systematic literature review. Corporate Board: Role, Duties and Composition, 21(3), 8–23. https://doi.org/10.22495/cbv21i3art1

2025-08-26T09:23:21Z

To view the contents of the issue please click the button "Download This Article".

Editorial: Beyond monitoring in corporate governance: Creativity, diversity, and resilience in a changing world

Taeyoung Yoo — 2025-08-26T09:22:31Z

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

This issue of the journal "Corporate Board: Role, Duties and Composition" was published on August 26, 2025.

By clicking the button "Download This Article" below you will gain direct access to the Editorial of the issue.

How to cite: Yoo, T. (2025). Editorial: Beyond monitoring in corporate governance: Creativity, diversity, and resilience in a changing world. Corporate Board: Role, Duties and Composition, 21(2), 4–5. https://doi.org/10.22495/cbv21i2editorial

From compliance to competitive advantage: A case for the boards or how European ESG regulation reshapes corporate strategy

Annapaola Voto — 2025-08-25T11:27:51Z

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

Abstract

This study analyzes the evolution of corporate social responsibility (CSR) into environmental, social, and governance (ESG) frameworks, examining the shift from voluntary initiatives to mandatory regulatory compliance. Through historical analysis and case studies, we trace how sustainability practices transformed from philanthropic activities to strategic business imperatives. The study focuses on European Union (EU) regulatory changes, particularly the European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS), which establish binding sustainability obligations for businesses. The findings reveal that this transition creates both challenges and opportunities for organizations, requiring integration of sustainability into core strategy while potentially driving innovation and competitive advantage. The research provides actionable guidance for business leaders navigating mandatory ESG requirements, emphasizing that sustainability has become both a strategic and regulatory imperative in global business.

Keywords: ESG Strategy, Corporate Governance, Regulatory Compliance, Dual Materiality, Sustainable Value Creation, Board Leadership, European Sustainability Reporting Standards, ESRS

Authors' individual contributions: The Author is responsible for all the contributions to the paper according to CRediT (Contributor Roles Taxonomy) standards.

Declaration of conflicting interests: The Author declares that there is no conflict of interest.

JEL Classification: G38, L51, M14, M41, Q56

Received: 30.05.2025
Revised: 29.07.2025; 13.08.2025
Accepted: 22.08.2025
Published online: 25.08.2025

How to cite this paper: Voto, A. (2025). From compliance to competitive advantage: A case for the boards or how European ESG regulation reshapes corporate strategy. Corporate Board: Role, Duties and Composition, 21(2), 102–108. https://doi.org/10.22495/cbv21i2art9

Effect of corporate diversity strategy and corporate size on equity value during the COVID-19 pandemic

Mosie C. C. Molate,Collins C. Ngwakwe,Kgobalale N. Motubatse — 2025-08-18T10:14:39Z

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

Abstract

The effect of firm size and diversity strategy on equity value during COVID-19 is examined in this study. This objective was pursued following the quantitative approach and controlling for corporate entities' marketing expenses, age, and leverage. Data from the top 100 companies prospering in the pandemic, listed by the Financial Times, was quantified. Using a purposive sampling technique, we drew a sample of 74 global companies and collected secondary data from the financial years 2019 to 2021. Diversity did not significantly impact equity value, but firm size did (p < 0.05). The research contributes new insights to business resources management and corporate diversity literature and provides recommendations for lawmakers regarding diversity and inclusion policies in the workplace. Moreover, this study is an eye-opener to those involved in planning for equity value generations to consider business environments seriously. To improve the flexibility of individual firms in times of crisis, tailored solutions are required (Dejardin et al., 2023). Practical results from the research emphasise the necessity of size-specific policies and diversity alignment to increase firm resilience.

Keywords: Competitive Advantage, Corporate Diversity, Equity Value, Firm Size, Pandemic, Resource-Based Theory

Authors' individual contributions: Conceptualization — M.C.C.M., C.C.N., and K.N.M.; Methodology — M.C.C.M., C.C.N., and K.N.M.; Formal Analysis — M.C.C.M., Investigation — M.C.C.M.; Data Curation — M.C.C.M.; Writing — M.C.C.M., C.C.N., and K.N.M.; Supervision — C.C.N. and K.N.M.

Declaration of conflicting interests: The Authors declare that there is no conflict of interest.

JEL Classification: L21, L25, M40

Received: 24.12.2024
Revised: 13.04.2025; 01.06.2025; 31.07.2025
Accepted: 14.08.2025
Published online: 18.08.2025

How to cite this paper: Molate, M. C. C., Ngwakwe, C. C., & Motubatse, K. N. (2025). Effect of corporate diversity strategy and corporate size on equity value during the COVID-19 pandemic. Corporate Board: Role, Duties and Composition, 21(2), 92–101. https://doi.org/10.22495/cbv21i2art8

Assessing earnings management: Contributions of corporate boards, foreign auditors, and strategic alliances

Amandeep Kaur,Archana Singh,Girish Chandra Maheshwari — 2025-08-12T07:12:35Z

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

Abstract

This study investigates how corporate board characteristics, foreign auditors, and strategic alliances influence earnings management (EM) among Indian listed firms, an issue of growing concern due to widespread accounting scandals and weak institutional enforcement in emerging markets. Using a panel dataset of firms listed in the NIFTY 500 index from 2014 to 2019, the study estimates earnings manipulation via the modified Jones (1991) model and employs fixed effects and two-stage least squares regression models to address endogeneity. The findings show that board independence and the presence of foreign auditors significantly reduce EM, while greater board activity is positively associated with EM. The influence of board size is marginal, and the findings suggest the limited utility of relational governance in India's institutionally weak environment. Robustness tests using alternative EM proxies confirm these findings. This study contributes to the governance literature by highlighting the nuanced roles of formal and informal governance under institutional voids, offering practical insights for regulators, investors, and policymakers in emerging economies.

Keywords: Foreign Auditors, Board of Directors, Strategic Alliance, Discretionary Accruals, Corporate Governance

Authors' individual contributions: Conceptualization — A.K., A.S., and G.C.M.; Methodology — A.K.; Software — A.K.; Formal Analysis — A.K.; Resources — A.K., A.S., and G.C.M.; Data Curation — A.K.; Writing — Original Draft — A.K.; Writing — Review & Editing — A.K., A.S., and G.C.M.; Supervision — A.S. and G.C.M.

Declaration of conflicting interests: The Authors declare that there is no conflict of interest.

JEL Classification: M10, M40, M41, M48

Received: 07.05.2025
Revised: 30.06.2025; 06.07.2025; 30.07.2025
Accepted: 08.08.2025
Published online: 12.08.2025

How to cite this paper: Kaur, A., Singh, A., & Maheshwari, G. C. (2025). Assessing earnings management: Contributions of corporate boards, foreign auditors, and strategic alliances. Corporate Board: Role, Duties and Composition, 21(2), 81–91. https://doi.org/10.22495/cbv21i2art7

Remuneration committee of the board of directors and the cost of equity

Herman Darwis,Tatang Ary Gumanti,Andi Harmoko Arifin,Maria Rio Rita — 2025-07-22T14:01:01Z

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

Abstract

This study examines the impact of the remuneration committee on the cost of equity capital, focusing on manufacturing companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX) over the period 2013–2023. Data were collected using purposive sampling, selecting only companies that had established remuneration committees. A total of 144 observations were obtained from 19 companies. The analysis employed panel data and multiple linear regression. The results indicate that the frequency of remuneration committee meetings has no statistically significant effect on the cost of equity capital, implying that, within this context, corporate governance mechanisms may not have a direct influence on the cost of equity financing (Ali et al., 2019). Nevertheless, the composition of the remuneration committee shows a significant negative association with the cost of equity capital. The presence of a well-structured and effective remuneration committee seems to strengthen governance practices and contribute to a reduction in equity financing costs, irrespective of the firm's size (Klein, 2002). With respect to the control variables, firm size exhibits a negative effect on the cost of equity capital. In contrast, sales growth, leverage, and earnings quality do not demonstrate any statistically significant influence.

Keywords: Governance, Remuneration Committee, Cost of Equity Capital, Company Size, Sales Growth, Debt, Earnings Quality

Authors' individual contributions: Conceptualization — H.D., T.A.G., A.H.A., and M.R.R.; Methodology — H.D., T.A.G., and M.R.R.; Investigation — T.A.G., A.H.A., and M.R.R.; Resources — H.D.; Writing — H.D., T.A.G., A.H.A., and M.R.R.; Supervision — T.A.G.; Funding Acquisition — H.D.

Declaration of conflicting interests: The Authors declare that there is no conflict of interest.

JEL Classification: G32, G34, L6

Received: 14.12.2024
Revised: 09.04.2025; 22.05.2025; 07.07.2025
Accepted: 18.07.2025
Published online: 22.07.2025

How to cite this paper: Darwis, H., Gumanti, T. A., Arifin, A. H., & Rita, M. R. (2025). Remuneration committee of the board of directors and the cost of equity. Corporate Board: Role, Duties and Composition, 21(2), 70–80. https://doi.org/10.22495/cbv21i2art6

Between transparency and manipulation: The influence of audit committees on earnings management in Morocco

Mohammed Ibrahimi,Aymane Chemmaa,Mohammed Amine — 2025-06-06T14:48:33Z

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

Abstract

Although numerous studies have focused on the role of audit committees in limiting earnings management practices in developed countries, emerging markets have received limited attention. This study addresses this gap by examining the effectiveness of the 2008 Moroccan Code of Good Corporate Governance Practices through an analysis of the influence of audit committee characteristics on earnings management in companies listed on the Casablanca Stock Exchange (CSE) between 2018 and 2022. Using the generalized method of moments (GMM) on a sample of 34 companies, the results reveal a negative and significant association between audit committee independence and earnings management. Additionally, multiple mandates of audit committee members exert a negative and significant influence on earnings management. In contrast, gender diversity within audit committees positively influences earnings management, while the size of the audit committee is not significantly associated with this practice. Overall, our findings highlight the importance of audit committees predominantly composed of independent directors, with diverse experience gained from serving on various boards and balanced gender representation. These characteristics significantly reduce earnings management, confirming the effectiveness of the 2008 Moroccan Code of Good Corporate Governance Practices in curbing opportunistic behavior. This study contributes to the corporate governance literature by emphasizing the role of multiple mandates and audit committee independence, particularly in crisis contexts. It also offers new perspectives on emerging markets, particularly in North Africa, and opens avenues for research in similar contexts.

Keywords: Corporate Governance, Earnings Management, Audit Committee, Morocco, Emerging Markets, COVID-19

Authors' individual contributions: Conceptualization — M.I. and A.C.; Methodology — A.C.; Software — A.C. and M.A.; Validation — M.I. and M.A.; Formal Analysis — A.C. and M.A.; Investigation — M.I. and A.C.; Resources — A.C.; Writing — Original Draft — A.C.; Writing — Review & Editing — M.I. and M.A.; Visualization — A.C.; Supervision — M.I.; Project Administration — M.I.; Funding Acquisition — A.C.

Declaration of conflicting interests: The Authors declare that there is no conflict of interest.

JEL Classification: G3, M1, M4

Received: 15.03.2025
Revised: 25.04.2025; 08.05.2025
Accepted: 04.06.2025
Published online: 06.06.2025

How to cite this paper: Ibrahimi, M., Chemmaa, A., & Amine, M. (2025). Between transparency and manipulation: The influence of audit committees on earnings management in Morocco. Corporate Board: Role, Duties and Composition, 21(2), 58–69. https://doi.org/10.22495/cbv21i2art5

Statement on the Use of Generative AI

2025-06-06T08:27:37Z

1. Scope and Purpose

This statement outlines the ethical use, disclosure, and oversight of Generative AI (GenAI) in the submission, peer review, and editorial processes of this journal. It aligns with the principles and best practices established by leading organizations in academic publishing, including the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE).

2. Definition

Generative AI refers to artificial intelligence technologies capable of producing text, images, or other content in response to user inputs. Tools such as ChatGPT, DALL-E, and similar models fall under this category.

3. Principles and Standards

3.1. Ethical Use (COPE Guidelines)

Authors, reviewers, and editors must adhere to. GenAI may assist in minor aspects of the publishing process (e.g., language editing) but must not replace human intellectual contributions or create fabricated content.

3.2. Transparency

Authors are required to disclose the use of GenAI in their manuscripts. Disclosure must explicitly state which tools were used and for what purposes.

3.3. Authorship and Accountability

GenAI tools cannot be credited as authors, as they do not meet authorship criteria: substantial intellectual contribution, drafting or revising the work, and accountability for content. Authors remain fully responsible for the accuracy, originality, and ethical compliance of their submissions, even if AI tools were used.

3.4. Peer Review Integrity

Peer reviewers using GenAI tools must disclose such use to the editorial board; AI tools may provide suggestions or summaries but cannot replace critical analysis or professional judgment required for peer review.

4. Acceptable Uses of Generative AI

Language Refinement: Authors may use GenAI for grammar correction, syntax improvements, or stylistic edits; Data Representation: AI-generated charts or images are acceptable if the data source is clearly cited and visualizations are verified; Idea Generation: AI tools can assist in brainstorming or exploring research frameworks but should not contribute original hypotheses or conclusions.

5. Prohibited Uses of Generative AI

Fabrication or Manipulation: AI must not be used to generate false data, references, or conclusions. Plagiarism: Using AI-generated content without proper attribution is a violation of ethical publishing standards. Misrepresentation: Authors must not misrepresent AI-generated work as their own intellectual contribution.

6. Disclosure Requirements

All authors must provide a clear disclosure statement regarding the use of GenAI if they used it in writing the paper. The statement should include the name(s) of the tool(s) used; specific tasks where the tool was applied (e.g., language editing, visualization).

Example Disclosure Statement: "Generative AI tools, such as ChatGPT, were used for language editing and improving the clarity of the manuscript. All intellectual content, research design, and data analysis were conducted solely by the authors."

7. Editorial Oversight

Editors will evaluate disclosed AI use during the review process to ensure it complies with this policy. Manuscripts suspected of undisclosed AI-generated content may undergo further scrutiny, including plagiarism detection tools or re-submission requests.

8. Consequences of Misuse

In alignment with COPE's misconduct policies, violations of this policy may result in: Rejection of the manuscript; Retraction of published articles if ethical breaches are discovered post-publication; Notification to institutions, funders, or other stakeholders, where appropriate.

The impact of cultural and organizational factors on gender diversity in leadership: A governance perspective in Saudi public organizations

Vimala Venugopal Muthuswamy,Jagathala Joghee Savithri — 2025-05-29T11:04:40Z

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

Abstract

Gender diversity in leadership is a crucial worldwide problem, especially inside Saudi public institutions, where cultural and organizational variables profoundly influence women's leadership prospects. This research analyzes the impact of cultural norms, leadership styles, and governance frameworks on gender diversity in leadership positions. Data were gathered from 138 participants in Saudi public organizations using a standardized survey. Descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and regression models were used to evaluate the link among cultural views, leadership practices, and gender discrepancies. Research demonstrates that cultural attitudes and leadership styles significantly affect gender representation in leadership, with conventional male-dominated frameworks obstructing women's professional advancement. The findings underscore a significant association between gender diversity and leadership efficacy, highlighting the need for inclusive governance measures. This research advances the discourse on gender equality in leadership and offers ideas for promoting gender-inclusive leadership in Saudi public institutions. The subsequent study needs to investigate gender-specific difficulties within various sectors and assess the enduring effects of policy improvements.

Keywords: Gender Diversity, Leadership Styles, Cultural Norms, Organizational Barriers, Saudi Public Organizations

Authors' individual contributions: Conceptualization — V.V.M. and J.J.S.; Methodology — J.J.S.; Formal Analysis — J.J.S.; Investigation — V.V.M.; Resources — J.J.S.; Writing — V.V.M. and J.J.S.; Supervision — V.V.M.; Project Administration — V.V.M.; Funding Acquisition — V.V.M.

Declaration of conflicting interests: The Authors declare that there is no conflict of interest.

JEL Classification: G31, G34

Received: 10.09.2024
Revised: 18.12.2024; 19.03.2025; 02.05.2025
Accepted: 26.05.2025
Published online: 29.05.2025

How to cite this paper: Muthuswamy, V. V., & Savithri, J. J. (2025). The impact of cultural and organizational factors on gender diversity in leadership: A governance perspective in Saudi public organizations. Corporate Board: Role, Duties and Composition, 21(2), 45–57. https://doi.org/10.22495/cbv21i2art4

Exploring the moderating effect of gender diversity and the mediating effect of governance style on the relationship between board characteristics and financial outcome

Frank Mawuena Yao Klu,Patient Rambe,Lentswe Mosweunyane — 2025-05-28T08:38:16Z

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to ascertain the moderating and mediating effect of gender diversity and governance style a piece on the relationship between board characteristics and financial performance. The present study employed the quantitative research approach with an exploratory descriptive research design. Exactly 600 self-administered structured questionnaires were distributed to the eligible respondents to complete between May and June 2022. A response rate of 96 percent (n = 576) was obtained following the distribution of the questionnaire to eligible participants. We adopted the STATA software (version 18) to statistically analyze the primary data obtained in the present study. The partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) technique was used to analyze the data. The results identified governance style as a significant mediator in the relationship between board characteristics and financial performance. Gender diversity significantly influenced only the positive relationship between board independence and governance style. The study provides essential insights into the significance of considering and embracing the relevance of corporate governance dimensions such as board committee, board independence, and board diversity on financial performance, whilst appreciating the moderating and mediating contribution of gender diversity and governance style, respectively, on the board characteristics-financial performance relationship. To the researchers' knowledge, this study is one of a kind that integrates gender diversity, knowledge management, and governance style into an examination of the effects of corporate governance on the financial performance of public institutions in a developing country's higher educational context.

Keywords: Corporate Governance, Governance Style, Gender Diversity, Board Characteristics, Financial Performance

Authors' individual contributions: Conceptualization — F.M.Y.K. and P.R.; Methodology — F.M.Y.K.; Investigation — F.M.Y.K.; Resources — F.M.Y.K., P.R., and L.M.; Writing — F.M.Y.K.

Declaration of conflicting interests: The Authors declare that there is no conflict of interest.

JEL Classification: G31, G34

Received: 27.11.2024
Revised: 25.02.2025; 29.03.2025; 21.05.2025
Accepted: 23.05.2025
Published online: 28.05.2025

How to cite this paper: Klu, F. M. Y., Rambe, P., & Mosweunyane, L. (2025). Exploring the moderating effect of gender diversity and the mediating effect of governance style on the relationship between board characteristics and financial outcome. Corporate Board: Role, Duties and Composition, 21(2), 31–44. https://doi.org/10.22495/cbv21i2art3

Corporate governance mechanisms and capital structure in a two-tier board system: The role of board gender diversity

2025-05-13T13:44:34Z

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

Abstract

This study sought to investigate the relationship between capital structure and corporate governance variables, with an emphasis on the moderating effect of gender diversity on the board on the relationship between capital structure and corporate governance mechanisms in a two-tier board structure (Indonesia). Utilizing a sample of 384 non-financial firms listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX) from 2012 to 2021, this study generated 3,836 observations to evaluate hypotheses regarding the impact of the board of directors (BOD), board of commissioners (BOC), and the proportion of independent commissioners (PIC) on capital structure, as proxied by the debt-to-asset ratio (DAR) and long-term debt-to-asset ratio (LTD). Furthermore, it examined the moderating role of gender diversity in the relationship between corporate governance mechanisms and capital structure metrics. Panel data regression analysis, which comprised a fixed-effects (FE) model with clustered standard errors, was used to analyse the data. The study found no significant relationship between the corporate governance mechanisms and DAR. However, the BOD and the BOC significantly affect LTD. Incorporating gender diversity as a moderator revealed a significant enhancement in the linkage between corporate governance practices and financial leverage measures. Negative and notable associations were observed when moderated by gender diversity, indicating an amplified influence in the presence of female board members.

Keywords: Corporate Governance, Gender Diversity, Capital Structure, Indonesia

Authors' individual contributions: Conceptualization — I.P., S.S., and T.F.M.; Methodology — T.H.U. and H.K.; Investigation — I.P., R.M., and R.I.; Data Curation — G.M.Z. and H.K.; Writing — Original Draft — S.S., T.F.M., and R.M.; Writing — Review & Editing — T.F.M., G.M.Z., and A.Z.; Supervision — S.S.; Project Administration — H.K.

Declaration of conflicting interests: The Authors declare that there is no conflict of interest.

JEL Classification: G31, G34

Received: 19.12.2024
Revised: 06.03.2025; 17.04.2025
Accepted: 09.05.2025
Published online: 13.05.2025

How to cite this paper: Pahala, I., Suherman, S., Mahfirah, T. F., Mohidin, R., Indriani, R., Zairin, G. M., Utaminingtyas, T. H., Kurniawati, H., & Zikra, A. (2025). Corporate governance mechanisms and capital structure in a two-tier board system: The role of board gender diversity. Corporate Board: Role, Duties and Composition, 21(2), 18–30. https://doi.org/10.22495/cbv21i2art2

Creativity as a strategic resource: A journey through business innovation theory and practice and implications for company governance

Maria Assunta Baldini,Salvatore Cincimino,Salvatore Tomaselli — 2025-05-08T08:31:33Z

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

Abstract

This contribution explores the evolution of creativity in the business context, integrating philosophical and psychological perspectives while considering business and managerial implications. Starting from classical conceptions of mimesis and poesies, the article traces a path through Kantian thought on genius and the Druckerian approach to innovation, up to contemporary theories on organizational creativity. It analyzes how creativity has evolved from being considered an innate gift to a manageable and measurable competence in companies. The contribution also examines the challenges of promoting creativity in organizations, including ethical aspects and measurement. The implications of artificial intelligence (AI) for business creativity and the possibility of teaching creative skills are discussed. The importance of creativity as a driver of economic and social value is emphasized, highlighting the need for companies to create ecosystems that promote ethical and sustainable innovation.

Keywords: Firms' Innovation, Business Creativity, Innovative Companies, Artificial Intelligence

Authors' individual contributions: Conceptualization — M.A.B., S.C., and S.T.; Methodology — M.A.B., S.C., and S.T.; Formal Analysis — S.C. and S.T.; Investigation — M.A.B., S.C., and S.T.; Data Curation — M.A.B., S.C., and S.T.; Writing — Original Draft — M.A.B., S.C., and S.T.; Writing — Review & Editing — M.A.B.; Visualization — M.A.B., S.C., and S.T.; Supervision — S.C. and S.T.

Declaration of conflicting interests: The Authors declare that there is no conflict of interest.

JEL Classification: M10, M15, M41

Received: 29.01.2025
Revised: 19.03.2025; 07.04.2025
Accepted: 05.05.2025
Published online: 08.05.2025

How to cite this paper: Baldini, M. A., Cincimino, S., & Tomaselli, S. (2025). Creativity as a strategic resource: A journey through business innovation theory and practice and implications for company governance. Corporate Board: Role, Duties and Composition, 21(2), 8–17. https://doi.org/10.22495/cbv21i2art1

2025-05-06T09:38:17Z

To view the contents of the issue please click the button "Download This Article".

Editorial: Corporate governance in times of uncertainty: Emerging insights on ESG, innovation, and board effectiveness

Marco Venuti — 2025-05-06T09:38:12Z

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

This issue of the journal "Corporate Board: Role, Duties and Composition" was published on May 6, 2025.

By clicking the button "Download This Article" below you will gain direct access to the Editorial of the issue.

How to cite: Venuti, M. (2025). Editorial: Corporate governance in times of uncertainty: Emerging insights on ESG, innovation, and board effectiveness. Corporate Board: Role, Duties and Composition, 21(1), 4–6. https://doi.org/10.22495/cbv21i1editorial

How gender diversity shapes the influence of ESG on dividend policy: Insights from the corporate boards in an emerging market

Jodi Al Anshari Muttaqi,Triasesiarta Nur — 2025-04-30T07:30:53Z

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

Abstract

The paper addresses the relationship between environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance and dividend policy, emphasizing how gender diversity on corporate boards moderates this link. In the context of Indonesia's emerging market, it explores the challenges of balancing financial returns with sustainability objectives. This study contributes to the growing literature on the importance of board diversity for sustainability (Arnardottir et al., 2023; Alotaibi & Al-Dubai, 2024). Using logistic regression on panel data from firms listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX) (2017–2022 years), the findings reveal that ESG performance positively impacts dividend policy, with companies demonstrating higher ESG commitments being more likely to pay dividends. However, the positive effect is weakened when boards have greater female representation, as these boards often prioritize reinvestment in sustainability initiatives over immediate dividend payouts. The study concludes that gender-diverse boards encourage a strategic focus on long-term sustainability, balancing the financial implications of ESG practices with broader ethical governance and stakeholder needs. Additional analysis compares ESG practices, board gender diversity, and dividend payments before and after the pandemic, revealing their evolving impact on corporate financial decisions.

Keywords: Environmental, Social, and Governance, ESG, Gender Diversity, Dividend Policy, Corporate Governance, Agency Theory, Stakeholder Theory

Authors' individual contributions: Conceptualization — T.N.; Methodology — T.N.; Validation — T.N.; Data Curation — J.A.A.M.; Writing — Original Draft — J.A.A.M.; Writing — Review & Editing — T.N.; Visualization — J.A.A.M.; Supervision — T.N.; Project Administration — T.N.; Funding Acquisition — T.N.

Declaration of conflicting interests: The Authors declare that there is no conflict of interest.

JEL Classification: G32, G34, G35, M14, Q56

Received: 25.08.2024
Accepted: 28.04.2025
Published online: 30.04.2025

How to cite this paper: Muttaqi, J. A. A., & Nur, T. (2025). How gender diversity shapes the influence of ESG on dividend policy: Insights from the corporate boards in an emerging market. Corporate Board: Role, Duties and Composition, 21(1), 71–81. https://doi.org/10.22495/cbv21i1art7

Auditor's technical, digital, and creativity skills and their role in supporting audit outcomes in light of digital transformation strategy

Yaser Saleh Al Frijat,Mohammad Eid Al-Hajaia — 2025-04-18T13:55:29Z

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

Abstract

The ability to ingeniously include aspects of surprise in audits is a requirement vital to the auditing profession (Herron & Cornell, 2021). The study investigates the auditor's technical, digital, and creativity skills and their role in supporting the quality of audit outcomes in light of the digital transformation strategy. The study used partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) to test the hypotheses. A questionnaire was distributed to 263 auditors from small and medium-sized Jordanian auditing firms and offices, comprising the study sample for data analysis. The study's results proved that the auditor's technical, digital, and creativity skills significantly enhance the quality of audit outcomes by verifying the correction of any significant defects found or reported in the audit report, meeting the expectations of audit clients, and collecting audit evidence. Considering that digitization is both a challenge and a vital opportunity for auditing, the results provided insightful information that is useful to all relevant parties that utilize the audit work's findings to inform their decisions. Given its critical significance in improving the quality of audit outcomes, this study offers significant positive results on an auditor's digital competence impact and fostering auditor creativity on the quality of audit outcomes, which is noteworthy given its essential importance in supporting audit quality. Therefore, the International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board's (IAASB) Framework invites audit firms to consider advanced methods for raising the caliber of their audits.

Keywords: Technical Skills, Digital Skills, Creativity Skills, Audit Outcomes, External Auditors

Authors' individual contributions: Conceptualization — Y.S.A.F.; Methodology — Y.S.A.F.; Formal Analysis — M.E.A.-H.; Data Curation — M.E.A.-H.; Investigation — Y.S.A.F. and M.E.A.-H.; Validation — Y.S.A.F. and M.E.A.-H.; Writing — Original Draft — Y.S.A.F. and M.E.A.-H.; Writing — Review & Editing — Y.S.A.F.; Visualization — Y.S.A.F. and M.E.A.-H.; Supervision — Y.S.A.F.; Project Administration — M.E.A.-H.

Declaration of conflicting interests: The Authors declare that there is no conflict of interest.

JEL Classification: M41, M42, O33

Received: 14.08.2024
Accepted: 14.04.2025
Published online: 18.04.2025

How to cite this paper: Al Frijat, Y. S., & Al-Hajaia, E. M. (2025). Auditor's technical, digital, and creativity skills and their role in supporting audit outcomes in light of digital transformation strategy. Corporate Board: Role, Duties and Composition, 21(1), 60–70. https://doi.org/10.22495/cbv21i1art6

The impact of corporate innovation on long-term performance: Does chief executive officer power matter in an emerging market?

Hareth Alshamayleh — 2025-03-28T08:16:17Z

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

Abstract

This study aims to investigate the relationship between corporate innovation, financial sustainability, and the moderating role of chief executive officer (CEO) power within the context of Saudi Arabian firms. Grounded in resource-based theory, the research highlights the dual role of research and development (R&D) investments as a critical driver of long-term financial sustainability and a mechanism for fostering competitive advantage (Barney, 1991). Using a panel dataset of 1260 company-year observations from 2013 to 2022, the study employs pooled ordinary least squares (OLS) and fixed effects (FE) estimators to examine the impact of R&D investments on financial sustainability, measured by the sustainable growth rate (SGR). The findings reveal a positive association between R&D investments and SGR, suggesting that firms prioritizing innovation tend to experience greater financial stability. However, the study also uncovers a significant moderating effect of CEO power, indicating that excessive CEO control can hinder long-term investments in innovation and jeopardize future financial well-being, aligning with agency theory concerns (Naaman & Sun, 2022). This research contributes to the understanding of corporate innovation, CEO power dynamics, and financial sustainability, particularly within the emerging market context of Saudi Arabia, by highlighting the importance of effective corporate governance in fostering long-term value creation.

Keywords: Financial Sustainability, R&D Investments, CEO Power, Emerging Market

Authors' individual contributions: The Author is responsible for all the contributions to the paper according to CRediT (Contributor Roles Taxonomy) standards.

Declaration of conflicting interests: The Author declares that there is no conflict of interest.

JEL Classification: G32, G34, O31

Received: 21.11.2024
Accepted: 25.03.2025
Published online: 28.03.2025

How to cite this paper: Alshamayleh, H. (2025). The impact of corporate innovation on long-term performance: Does chief executive officer power matter in an emerging market? Corporate Board: Role, Duties and Composition, 21(1), 49–59. https://doi.org/10.22495/cbv21i1art5

Mitigating the toxic director: Strategies for identifying and managing toxic behavior to prevent exponential costs

Keren Bar-Hava — 2025-02-26T14:08:51Z

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

Abstract

Toxic boardroom dynamics threaten the integrity of corporate governance, leading to financial losses, regulatory scrutiny, and stakeholder mistrust. This article proposes a decision-tree framework designed to systematically identify, document, and mitigate toxic behaviors before it escalates. Using international case studies, we demonstrate how unchecked board toxicity leads to governance failures, reputational damage, and ESG misalignment. The framework integrates legal principles, behavioral psychology, and corporate governance best practices, equipping boards with a structured intervention process, including director dismissal when necessary. By adopting this proactive strategy, organizations can strengthen ethical leadership, reinforce investor confidence, and prevent exponential governance costs.

Keywords: Corporate Governance, Governance Integrity, Boardroom Dynamics, Toxic Board, Director Dismissal, Ethical Leadership, ESG, Stakeholder Confidence, Financial Risk Mitigation

Authors' individual contributions: The Author is responsible for all the contributions to the paper according to CRediT (Contributor Roles Taxonomy) standards.

Declaration of conflicting interests: The Author declares that there is no conflict of interest.

JEL Classification: G34, K2, M14, Q56

Received: 11.09.2024
Accepted: 21.02.2025
Published online: 26.02.2025

How to cite this paper: Bar-Hava, K. (2025). Mitigating the toxic director: Strategies for identifying and managing toxic behavior to prevent exponential costs. Corporate Board: Role, Duties and Composition, 21(1), 37–48. https://doi.org/10.22495/cbv21i1art4

Diversity management in corporate boards and its impact on sustainable financial performance

Aqil Waqar Khan — 2025-02-11T13:42:56Z

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

Abstract

In light of the numerous global crises currently unfolding, the importance of effective diversity management within board structures has grown significantly. This study explores how diversity management in corporate boards impacts sustainable financial performance. Recognized as a critical factor in building investor confidence and engagement, effective diversity management not only helps mitigate risks, but also protects investor rights. The quantitative research paradigm has been employed to assess the impact of diversity management on sustainable financial performance. Diversity management, encompassing dimensions such as gender, nationality, and political affiliation, is considered the independent variable. To account for additional influences, firm size, and leverage are included as control variables. The analysis is conducted using a range of econometric and statistical tools, including descriptive statistics, variance inflation factor analysis, correlation analysis, heteroscedasticity testing, and regression analysis. The study's results indicate that gender diversity and political affiliation diversity positively influence sustainable financial performance, while nationality diversity appears to have a negative effect on long-term financial sustainability. Categorizing diversity provides a framework for enhancing board decision-making, which can significantly impact sustainable financial performance. Additionally, in developing economies, diverse boards have the potential to drive transformative changes that contribute to long-term financial sustainability.

Keywords: Diversity Management, Gender Diversity, Nationality Diversity, Political Affiliation Diversity, Sustainable Firm Performance

Authors' individual contributions: The Author is responsible for all the contributions to the paper according to CRediT (Contributor Roles Taxonomy) standards.

Declaration of conflicting interests: The Author declares that there is no conflict of interest.

JEL Classification: G34, H70, M14

Received: 14.11.2024
Accepted: 07.02.2025
Published online: 11.02.2025

How to cite this paper: Khan, A. W. (2025). Diversity management in corporate boards and its impact on sustainable financial performance. Corporate Board: Role, Duties and Composition, 21(1), 31–36. https://doi.org/10.22495/cbv21i1art3

Corporate Board: Role, Duties and Composition - Virtus InterPress

Board committees' characteristics, external audit quality, and earnings management: Evidence from GCC countries

The impact of board and audit committee characteristics on integrated reporting disclosure: Evidence from ASEAN

Rethinking audit committee competence: Accreditation, experience, and digital skills in constraining real earnings management

Contents

Editorial: Corporate governance in transition — Foundations, emerging challenges, and new empirical insights

Who shapes tax policy? Disentangling CEO versus CFO ability in explaining corporate tax avoidance

Board diversity and recruitment practices as drivers of women's advancement in executive positions

The impact of board diversity on aggressive tax planning in GCC countries: Does the digital transformation matter?

ESG disclosures and firm profitability in an emerging market: The moderating roles of state ownership, board gender diversity, and board independence

Board characteristics and firm financial performance: An empirical assessment of directors' composition, diversity, and CEO attributes

Network structure entropy, innovation, and corporate social responsibility: Evidence from interlocking director networks in China

Diversity of first-line defense committee formation in improving the value of long commodity companies

Auditor independence and financial reporting: The moderating contextual variables: A case of emerging market banks

Cybersecurity disclosure, board oversight, and financial performance: Evidence from European banking

Contents

Editorial: Reframing corporate governance — From formal compliance to functional expertise

The role of the board of directors' gender diversity moderation in the relationship between carbon emissions and ESG performance

Top management team, Islamic religiosity, corporate governance, and earnings management: A systematic literature review

The role of audit committee compositions in influencing the quality of financial reporting

Industry-expert independent directors and corporate governance: A systematic literature review

Company secretaries' commercial attributes as moderators of CEO succession and real earnings management: A conceptual framework in the Malaysian public-listed companies

Contents

Editorial: Contemporary board governance at the intersection of behaviour, diversity, and accountability

Political ties of female directors and ESG: The mediating role of environmental attention

Evaluating the effectiveness of internal control systems: Evidence from financial and audit performance data

Examining the impact of board composition on environmental, social, and governance disclosure

Leadership styles and their impact on workplace engagement: Insights from emerging enterprises

The role of board size, environmental indicators, and corporate reputation on environmental, social, and governance performance

Gender diversity and bank performance in developing countries: The moderating effect of culture

Top managers and overconfidence: Are there age-related differences?

Beyond administration: Unveiling the strategic role of company secretaries in corporate governance — A systematic literature review

Contents

Editorial: Beyond monitoring in corporate governance: Creativity, diversity, and resilience in a changing world

From compliance to competitive advantage: A case for the boards or how European ESG regulation reshapes corporate strategy

Effect of corporate diversity strategy and corporate size on equity value during the COVID-19 pandemic

Assessing earnings management: Contributions of corporate boards, foreign auditors, and strategic alliances

Remuneration committee of the board of directors and the cost of equity

Between transparency and manipulation: The influence of audit committees on earnings management in Morocco

Statement on the Use of Generative AI

The impact of cultural and organizational factors on gender diversity in leadership: A governance perspective in Saudi public organizations

Exploring the moderating effect of gender diversity and the mediating effect of governance style on the relationship between board characteristics and financial outcome

Corporate governance mechanisms and capital structure in a two-tier board system: The role of board gender diversity

Creativity as a strategic resource: A journey through business innovation theory and practice and implications for company governance

Contents

Editorial: Corporate governance in times of uncertainty: Emerging insights on ESG, innovation, and board effectiveness

How gender diversity shapes the influence of ESG on dividend policy: Insights from the corporate boards in an emerging market

Auditor's technical, digital, and creativity skills and their role in supporting audit outcomes in light of digital transformation strategy

The impact of corporate innovation on long-term performance: Does chief executive officer power matter in an emerging market?

Mitigating the toxic director: Strategies for identifying and managing toxic behavior to prevent exponential costs

Diversity management in corporate boards and its impact on sustainable financial performance