The effect of CEO narcissism on debt maturity structure

The results of previous research have shown that the use of short-term debts can ultimately cause unfavorable financial performance of the company in the long term. Behavioral finance theories also state that in the decision-making of managers and investors, in addition to information, a series of viewpoints and psychological factors also influence their decisions. The purpose of this research is to investigate the effect of CEO narcissism on the maturity structure of debts.

Using the data of 85 companies listed in the Tehran Stock Exchange, in the period of 2018 to 2022, the hypotheses were tested using multiple regression.

Findings:

 After statistical analysis, the results of the research hypotheses indicate that CEO narcissism has a positive and significant effect on the maturity structure of debts. In this research, two indicators of managers' bonus ratio and the size of CEO signatures were used to measure CEO narcissism.

Originality: 

The results of research hypotheses indicate that CEO narcissism has a positive and significant effect on debt maturity structure. This means that with the increase of narcissism of managers, the use of short-term debt increases. Narcissistic managers try to match the asset structure and the debt maturity structure in order to pay the debts. Hence, in the period under their management, the maturity period of the debt structure is reduced when the company can increase its profits.