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Journal of Financial Economics Vol. 127 No. 3 2018

Are overconfident CEOs better leaders? Evidence from stakeholder commitments

Kenny Phua1; T. Mandy Tham2; Chishen Wei3

1 Nanyang Technological University · 2 No Affiliation · 3 Singapore Management University

open access

Abstract

We find evidence that the leadership of overconfident chief executive officers (CEOs) induces stakeholders to take actions that contribute to the leader's vision. By being intentionally overexposed to the idiosyncratic risk of their firms, overconfident CEOs exhibit a strong belief in their firms’ prospects. This belief attracts suppliers beyond the firm's observable expansionary corporate activities. Overconfident CEOs induce more supplier commitments including greater relationship-specific investment and longer relationship duration. Overconfident CEOs also induce stronger labor commitments as employees exhibit lower turnover rates and greater ownership of company stock in benefit plans.

DOI
10.1016/j.jfineco.2017.12.008
Volume
127
Issue
3
Pages
519-545
Language
en
Sources
bibtex:phds-export.bib openalex crossref

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