Impact of Board Interlocking into Voluntary Disclosure: Moderating Roles of Board Independence, Institutional Ownership, and Family Ownership

Abstract

The research examines the relationship between Board Interlocking (B_Int) and Voluntary Disclosure (VD) practices within firms listed on Stock Exchange Pakistan (PSX). The study further investigates the moderating roles of Board Independence (B_Ind), institutional Ownership (Inst_Own), and Family Ownership (Fam_Own) on the relationship between B_Int and VD. B_Int where members of one company sit on other boards. This research examines how B_Int negatively affects how much information companies voluntarily disclose to the public. This happen when companies become more secretive and board members prioritize protecting their networks over transparency. It also examines how factors like B_Ind, Inst_Own, and Fam_Own influence this negative relationship. This negative impact of B_Int on VD is lessened when boards have more B_Ind. B_Ind does not have strong personal ties with company and not involve in company’s management. They encourage unbiased decision-making for all shareholders. They encourage openness and accountability. Higher level of Inst_Own help to reduce the negative effect of B_Int on VD. Inst_Own represents the percentage of company’s share owned by large organizations. They invest on the behalf of their clients and influence company’s decisions due to the size of their holdings. Their presence pushes companies to disclose more information. Fam_Own boost the negative impact of B_Int on VD. In Fam_Own families hold significant shares and influence company’s decision and management. Family controlled companies are more inclined to keep information private and reduce overall transparency. This study uses agency theory and legitimacy theory to explain how B_Int affects VD. Agency theory explains B_Int help to align interests between shareholders and management. Legitimacy theory helps to understand that companies seek to gain and maintain approval from society and stakeholders. By showing transparency and sharing information companies build trust. Companies ensure that their actions are seen as acceptable and legitimate. This research will use Regression Analysis method to measure the impact of B_Int on VD and the moderating variables B_Ind, Inst_Own, and Fam_Own. Regression model quantitatively assess the relationship between these variables. This model will help to understand how these variables positively or negatively influence VD practices. And data will be collected from annual reports available on PSX.