Does board characteristics affect the capital structure decisions of Ghanaian SMEs?

Abstract

The issue of corporate governance has been a growing area of management research especially among large and listed firms. However, less attention has been paid in the area with respect to Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). This current study explores the link between corporate board characteristics the capital structure decision of SMEs. The paper specifically assesses how the adoption of corporate governance structures among Ghanaian SMEs influences their financing decisions by examining the relationship between corporate governance characteristics and capital structure using an appropriate regression model. The results show negative association between capital structure and board size. Positive relationships between capital structure and board composition, board skills, and CEO duality are, however, found. The control variables in the model show signs which are consistent with standard capital structure theories. The results generally suggest that SMEs pursue lower debt policy with larger board size. Interestingly, SMEs with higher percentage of outside directors, highly qualified board members and one-tier board system rather employ more debt. It is clear, from the study, that corporate governance structures influence the financing decisions of Ghanaian SMEs.