The Composition Of Corporate Boards Of Directors: Pre- And Post-Sarbanes-Oxley

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to examine corporate board characteristics pre- and post-Sarbanes-Oxley. More specifically, using a sample 1141 US publicly traded firms, board characteristics were identified and then changes in these characteristics were examined across the years 2001, 2004, and 2007. Our analyses reveal significant changes in 8 of 10 board characteristics examined. Implications and areas for future research are discussed.