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Journal of Financial and Quantitative Analysis Vol. 56 No. 3 2021

The Effects of Cultural Values on Bank Failures around the World

Allen N. Berger1; Xinming Li2; Charles S. Morris3; Raluca A. Roman4

1 Berger (Canada) · 2 Li · 3 University of Minnesota Morris · 4 Roman

Abstract

We conduct the first broad-based international study on bank-level failures covering 92 countries over 2000–2014, investigating national cultural variables as failure determinants. We find individualism and masculinity are positively associated with bank failure, but they operate through different channels. Managers in individualist countries assume more portfolio risk, while governments in masculine countries allow banks to operate with less liquidity and less often bail out troubled institutions. Findings are robust to accounting for endogeneity, different techniques and measures, and additional controls. Results have implications for prudential policies, including regulation, supervision, and bailout strategies, that may partially mitigate some negative effects of culture.

DOI
10.1017/s0022109020000150
Volume
56
Issue
3
Pages
945-993
Language
en
Sources
bibtex:phds-export.bib openalex crossref

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