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Research by the Corporate Governance Research Initiative

CGRI research spans these topics: general principles, board of directors, leadership and succession planning, compensation, audit and risk, shareholders, and proxy advisory.

Survey|

2019 Survey On Shareholder Versus Stakeholder Interests

David F. Larcker, Brian Tayan, Vinay Trivedi, Owen Wurzbacher
CGRI Survey Series. Corporate Governance Research Initiative, Stanford Rock Center for Corporate Governance, July
2019

In spring 2019, the Rock Center for Corporate Governance at Stanford University surveyed 209 CEOs and CFOs of companies included in the S&P 1500 Index to understand the role that...

Stanford Closer Look|

Stakeholders and Shareholders: Are Executives Really “Penny Wise and Pound Foolish” About ESG?

David F. Larcker, Brian Tayan, Vinay Trivedi, Owen Wurzbacher
Stanford Closer Look Series. Corporate Governance Research Initiative, July
2019

Currently, there is much debate about the role that non-investor stakeholder interests play in the governance of public companies. Critics argue that greater attention should be paid to the interest...

Core Concept|

Core Concept: Shareholders & Activism

David F. Larcker, Brian Tayan
Core Concepts Series. Corporate Governance Research Initiative, June
2019

A roadmap to understanding the fundamental concepts of corporate governance based on theory, empirical research, and data. This guide will take an in-depth look at shareholders and activism.

Stanford Closer Look|

The Business Case for ESG

Brandon Boze, Margarita Krivitski, David F. Larcker, Brian Tayan, Eva Zlotnicka
Stanford Closer Look Series. Corporate Governance Research Initiative, May
2019

Recently, there has been debate among corporate managers, board of directors, and institutional investors around how best to incorporate ESG (environmental, social, and governance) factors into strategic and investment decision-making...

Research Spotlight|

Dual-Class Shares

David F. Larcker, Brian Tayan
CGRI Research Spotlight Series. March
2019

This Research Spotlight provides a summary of the academic literature on how dual-class share structures influence firm value and corporate governance quality. It reviews the evidence of:

  • The relation
    • ...
Research Spotlight|

Environmental, Social, and Governance Activities

David F. Larcker, Brian Tayan
CGRI Research Spotlight Series. Corporate Governance Research Initiative (CGRI), March
2019

This Research Spotlight provides a summary of the academic literature on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) activities including:

  • The relation between ESG activities and firm value
  • The impact of
    • ...
Journal Article|

Long-Term Economic Consequences of Hedge Fund Activist Interventions

Ed deHaan, David F. Larcker, Charles McClure
Review of Accounting Studies. February
27 , 2019, Vol. 24, Issue 2, Pages 536-569

We examine the long-term effects of interventions by activist hedge funds. Research documents positive equal-weighted long-term returns and operating performance improvements following activist interventions, and typically conclude that activism is...

Working Paper|

Where’s the Greenium?

David F. Larcker, Edward M. Watts
February 22, 2019

This study investigates whether investors are willing to trade-off wealth for societal benefits. We take advantage of unique institutional features of the municipal securities market to provide insight into this...

Working Paper|

Peer Group Choice and Chief Executive Officer Compensation

David F. Larcker, Charles McClure, Christina Zhu
February 11, 2019

We examine the selection of peer groups that boards of directors use when setting the level of CEO compensation. This choice is controversial because it is difficult to ascertain whether...

Stanford Closer Look|

Where Does Human Resources Sit at the Strategy Table?

Courtney Hamilton, David F. Larcker, Stephen A. Miles, Brian Tayan
Stanford Closer Look Series. Corporate Governance Research Initiative, February
2019

Two decades ago, McKinsey advanced the idea that large U.S. companies are engaged in a “war for talent” and that to remain competitive they need to make a strategic effort...

man in a suit holding his smartphone in front of his laptop

Insights on CGRI Research

September 24, 2019
Written

People Before Profits: A New American Credo?

America’s top CEOs say their companies will focus on all stakeholders, but a corporate governance expert remains skeptical.
Apple employees carry rainbow flags as they march in the San Francisco Gay Pride Festival. Thousands of Apple employees donned specially designed T-shirts at the festival. Credit: Reuters/Noah Berger
May 23, 2019
Written

Will Investors Pay a Premium for Being Green?

Despite the surging focus on environmental sustainability, a new study suggests investors still care about the old kind of green.
Children play in the early morning sun in Central Park in New York. Credit: Reuters/Carlo Allegri
November 28, 2018
Written

The Cost of CEO Activism

A new survey shows how Americans respond to CEOs who weigh in on controversial issues.
People show support of Colin Kaepernick. Credit: Reuters/Stephanie Keith
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