CORPORATE GOVERNANCE STRUCTURES AND THE AGENCY COST OF DEBT

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Abstract

This paper uses a stochastic continuous time model of the firm to study how different corporate governance structures affect the agency cost of debt. In the absence of asymmetric information, it shows that control of the firm by debtholders with a minority stake delays the exit decision and reduces the underinvestment problem. Such a governance structure may play an important role in diminishing conflicts between shareholders and debtholders.

Keywords: Corporate Governance, Agency Cost of Debt, Exit Decision, Bankruptcy

How to cite this paper: Chan-Lau, J. A. (2009). Corporate governance structures and the agency cost of debt. Corporate Ownership & Control, 7(2-4), 451-457. https://doi.org/10.22495/cocv7i2c4p5