Abstract:
To analyze the structure and role of board of directors for listed companies, and to investigate the impacts of the effectiveness of board of directors on the performance of listed companies by using a sample of 325 listed companies in 1998. The investigation is performed by estimating least-squares regressions model with cross section data. In our regression model, size, composition and stock ownership of board of directors mainly determine the board's effectiveness in its monitoring function. Tobin's Q is also used as a proxy of companies' performance. Regarding the structure of the board, board size is ranged from 5 to 25 directors, with the average of 11 directors. Of the sample, only 11% of the companies exceeded this requirement of minimum 2 independent outside directors. 41% of the companies has foreign directors and 60% of companies has directors from founding family in the main board. Over 70% of the companies has stockholder directors and the mean of directors' stock ownership is between 15-16%. Moreover, 92% of the companies has directors who are concurrently the directors in other listed companies. We find that the directors from founding family and directors' stock ownership of the level that more than or equivalent to 5% have negative impact on performance. While directors' stock ownership at level more than or equal to 15% and 50% have positive impact on performance. However, board size, percentage of independent outside directors, extra independent board, existence of foreign directors, directors with other appointment have no any significance on the performance. In addition, we find that return on asset for two years prior and firm size show positive impact on performance. However, return on asset for current year and prior year, investment opportunities and number of business segment have no any significance on the performance. As the result, improvement in role of independent outside director, minor shareholder and other stakeholders may improve corporate governance in Thailand. In addition, ownership participation of board of directors should be encouraged