Does the Diversity of Directors Moderates the Relationship between Prudently Governed Corporate Board and Decision to Pay the Dividend?

Abstract

This study evaluates the moderating role of diversity in the board of directors on the relationship between Corporate Governance and dividend decisions of listed companies of Pakistan. This study further explores relationship between conventional accounting variables and dividend decisions. Multifaceted diversity of the board of directors encompassing age, experience and nationality is examined. Panel Data Analysis is used to measure the cause and effect relationship among the variables. General to specific modelling is used by including all the potential regressors. Results depict that Firm Size, Leverage and Experience Diversity of Board negatively effects the Dividend Decisions, while Earnings per Share, CEO Duality, Directors Nationality and Age effects positively. Furthermore Age and Nationality Diversity of directors significantly moderate the relationship between Corporate Governance and Dividend Decisions.