This dissertation is a compilation of three studies that seek to extend the reaches of agency theory. In the first study, data on California banks from 1979-1987 were used to test the effect that board strength has on the acquisition and subsequent write-off of problem loans. As expected stronger boards incurred fewer loan delinquencies and loan losses. Board strength was also associated with smaller increases in loan write-offs when management turned over but larger increases when board members turned over. This suggests that board members are susceptible to escalating their level of commitment in the same way that managers are, implying that board members are also self-serving. Using the same data set, the second study examined the relationship between management ownership in banks and corporate performance and risk-taking. In support of the agency argument, increased management ownership led to higher levels of ROA and loan losses in the banks. The function was diminishing but monotonic. Using data gathered from private colleges and universities, the third study focused attention on agency in the not-for-profit sector by examining the relationship between board of director and presidential demography and school performance as measured by institutional revenue and gifts. The results provide mixed support and direction for the extension of agency models to the not-for-profit sector. Board strength, as measured by tenure and functional background, and presidential tenure, predicted better performance. These findings suggest that while boards play a significant role in performance of not-for-profits, their focus is on facilitating access to resources from the external environment rather than in monitoring management.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:arizona.edu/oai:arizona.openrepository.com:10150/282615 |
| Date | January 1998 |
| Creators | Olson, David Eric |
| Contributors | Koput, Kenneth W. |
| Publisher | The University of Arizona. |
| Source Sets | University of Arizona |
| Language | en_US |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | text, Dissertation-Reproduction (electronic) |
| Rights | Copyright © is held by the author. Digital access to this material is made possible by the University Libraries, University of Arizona. Further transmission, reproduction or presentation (such as public display or performance) of protected items is prohibited except with permission of the author. |
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