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Journal of Corporate Finance Vol. 21 2013

Cost of government and firm value

Michael Firth1; Stephen Gong2; Liwei Shan3

1 Department of Finance and Insurance, Lingnan University, Tuen Mun, New Territories, Hong Kong · 2 Hong Kong Polytechnic University · 3 Southwestern University of Finance and Economics

Abstract

Do high expenditures incurred in running the government benefit or hurt firms? Using Chinese data between 1999 and 2006, we find that higher administrative expenditures in provincial governments are associated with lower firm value, lower stock and financial performance, and lower labor productivity. Local governments that spend more on public administration tend to collect more fees from companies and spend less on social welfare and infrastructures. Our evidence is consistent with the “grabbing hand” hypothesis and has important policy implications.

DOI
10.1016/j.jcorpfin.2013.01.008
Volume
21
Pages
136-152
Language
en
Sources
bibtex:phds-export.bib openalex crossref

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