Academy of Management Annual Meeting Proceedings includes abstracts of all papers and symposia presented at the annual conference, plus 6-page abridged versions of the “Best Papers” accepted for inclusion in the program (approximately 10%). Papers published in the Proceedings are abridged because presenting papers at their full length could preclude subsequent journal publication. Please contact the author(s) directly for the full papers.

Directorships as Certifications: How Board Service Affects Executive Career Outcomes

Steven Boivie

Texas A&M U.

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Scott D. Graffin

U. of Georgia

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Adam J. Wowak

U. of Notre Dame

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and

Abbie Oliver

U. of Georgia

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Published Online:30 Nov 2017https://doi.org/10.5465/ambpp.2014.16086abstract

Abstract

In this study, we examine the question: What do executives gain from serving on boards? We propose that board service acts as a certification mechanism in the executive labor market that can positively influence executive careers outside of the boardroom, particularly for non-CEO executives serving on their first boards. We argue that non-CEO executives who gain directorships will be more likely to be promoted to CEO, will achieve these promotions more quickly, and will receive higher pay from their home firms. To test our ideas, we employ propensity score matching to construct a longitudinal sample of 1,336 top executives of large, publicly traded companies in the United States over the period 1996 to 2011. Results provide consistent support for our theory.

Vol. 2014, No. 1

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Published online 30 November 2017

Published in print 1 January 2014

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