THE IMPACT OF CORPORATE GOVERNANCE ON VOLUNTARY DISCLOSURE: EVIDENCE FROM PAKISTAN

Abstract

This study examines the impact of corporate governance on voluntary disclosure of manufacturing
companies listed on Pakistan Stock Exchange. The study uses probability sampling technique for
selecting firms from each stratum randomly. Sample size consists of 62 manufacturing firms listed on
Pakistan Stock Exchange from 2013 to 2015. The eventual inferences have been drawn using
correlation and multiple regression techniques. Results show that corporate governance influences
voluntary disclosure. Specifically, the magnitude of the audit committee and the duality of Chief
Executive Officer are very influential. The study suggests that firms in emerging economies like
Pakistan need to increase the number of audit committee members and avoid duality of holding the
positions of chairman and chief executive officer for higher voluntary disclosure which will ultimately
improve firms' performance. This study contributes to the existing literature by investigating the
impact of most suitable corporate governance characteristics on voluntary disclosure especially with
regard to Pakistan. Based on the existing literature, no such study has been conducted in Pakistan.