We investigate whether powerful chief executive officers (CEOs) influence the conditions of their cash bonus contracts. Specifically, we examine (i) the association between CEO power and the proportion of ex‐ante cash bonus to base salary (bonus ratio), (ii) the association between CEO power and the relative use of non‐financial to financial performance targets in cash bonus contracts, and (iii) the performance consequences of incorporating non‐financial targets in cash bonus contracts. Results show that powerful CEOs are associated with greater ex‐ante bonus ratios and higher proportions of non‐financial performance targets compared to less powerful CEOs. Furthermore, the use of quantitative and corporate social responsibility (CSR)‐related non‐financial performance targets is positively associated with subsequent firm performance, and the use of undefined non‐financial performance targets is negatively associated with subsequent firm performance. These results are robust to alternative econometric specifications and variable definitions.

We replicate and extend the 2014 study by Levi, Li and Zhang in the Australian setting and examine whether female representation on corporate boards affects acquisition outcomes. Consistent with the original study, we find that bidders with female representation on their boards make fewer acquisitions and pay lower premiums, on average. We also document that bidders with female representation on their boards prefer to select target firms that also have female representation on their boards. These results are robust to propensity score matching and instrumental variable estimation.

Purpose In this pitch research letter (PRL), the authors reflect on their research journey in replicating Levi, Li and Zhang (2014) for the AFAANZ Finance SIG 2020 Shark Tank Pitch event. Design/methodology/approach The authors outline their experience in using the pitch template and discuss some issues and considerations one might encounter when replicating a study using Australian data. Findings They found the pitch template useful for planning our replication and for developing a thorough understanding of the different aspects involved in completing the project (such as data and methodology considerations as well as motivation and contribution to existing knowledge). Originality/value This PRL highlights the benefits of replicating an existing study using Australian data, and outlines some potential challenges (and solutions) one may encounter along the way. This experience is expected to be useful to early career researchers and those beginning to work with Australian data.

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Using a sample of Australian Securities Exchange Ltd. (ASX) 500 firms over the 2004–2020 period, we find that contracting on corporate social responsibility (CSR) increases the likelihood of CSR restatements and that these restatements are biased toward showing improvements in CSR performance for the current period. This is especially the case when firms contract on social CSR performance measures. We also find that CEOs’ short-term incentive compensation is significantly greater when restatements result in improved comparative performance, but only for firms that contract on CSR. Overall, our results suggest that contracting on CSR is another explanation for the increasing prevalence of CSR restatements and that standard setters should address metrics and measures when formulating policies with respect to CSR reporting. Data Availability: Data are available from the public sources cited in the text. JEL Classifications: M12; M14; M52.