Does Endogeneity in Causal Relationships Matter: A Case of Board Independence and Firm’s Market Valuation

Abstract

The credibility and rectitude of monitoring effectiveness of non-executive (outside) directors has been highly discussed in the past academia. In this light, the present research involves the testing of endogeneity in the relationship between board independence and firm performance as proxied by firm market valuation. It has utilized the multimethodological approach on the data set of top corporates listed in Indian context. Notably, the application of pooled ordinary least squares (OLS) (static as well as dynamic), fixed effects regression, and system generalized method of moments (GMM) approach under dynamic modeling methodologies has demonstrated varying effects, which in turn, too provide manifestation of the predilection for dynamic system GMM, dynamic pooled OLS, and fixed effects over static pooled OLS. Findings of the research have ultimately concluded insignificant relationship between board independence and firm value. This effect remained robust even after controlling for the effect of board size. The implications of the insignificant board independence–firm value relationship have also been discussed and, thereby, offer useful directions to the regulators and policymakers.