
Accounting Papers
Document Type
Journal Article
Date of this Version
12-2013
Publication Source
Journal of Accounting Research
Volume
51
Issue
5
Start Page
909
Last Page
950
DOI
10.1111/1475-679X.12023
Abstract
This study examines the effects of shareholder support for equity compensation plans on subsequent CEO compensation. Using cross-sectional regression, instrumental variable, and regression discontinuity research designs, we find little evidence that either lower shareholder voting support for, or outright rejection of, proposed equity compensation plans leads to decreases in the level or composition of future CEO incentive compensation. We also find that, in cases where the equity compensation plan is rejected by shareholders, firms are more likely to propose, and shareholders are more likely to approve, a plan the following year. Our results suggest that shareholder votes for equity pay plans have little substantive impact on firms’ incentive compensation policies. Thus, recent regulatory efforts aimed at strengthening shareholder voting rights, particularly in the context of executive compensation, may have limited effect on firms’ compensation policies.
Copyright/Permission Statement
This is the peer reviewed version of the following article: ARMSTRONG, C. S., GOW, I. D. and LARCKER, D. F. (2013), The Efficacy of Shareholder Voting: Evidence from Equity Compensation Plans. Journal of Accounting Research, 51: 909–950., which has been published in final form at http://dx.doi....75-679X.12023. This article may be used for non-commercial purposes in accordance with Wiley Terms and Conditions for Self-Archiving http://olabout.wiley.com/WileyCDA/Section/id-820227.html#terms.
Keywords
executive compensation, equity-based compensation, shareholder voting
Recommended Citation
Armstrong, C. S., Gow, I. D., & Larcker, D. F. (2013). The Efficacy of Shareholder Voting: Evidence From Equity Compensation Plans. Journal of Accounting Research, 51 (5), 909-950. http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/1475-679X.12023
Date Posted: 27 November 2017
This document has been peer reviewed.