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Environmental dynamism, capital structure and performance: a theoretical integration and an empirical test
Author(s) -
Simerly Roy L.,
Li Mingfang
Publication year - 2000
Publication title -
strategic management journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 11.035
H-Index - 286
eISSN - 1097-0266
pISSN - 0143-2095
DOI - 10.1002/(sici)1097-0266(200001)21:1<31::aid-smj76>3.0.co;2-t
Subject(s) - dynamism , capital structure , economic capital , industrial organization , economics , capital (architecture) , craft , financial capital , individual capital , shareholder , argument (complex analysis) , empirical research , strategic management , business , microeconomics , finance , human capital , market economy , management , corporate governance , debt , biochemistry , chemistry , physics , philosophy , archaeology , quantum mechanics , epistemology , history
An ongoing argument in financial management has been how to craft a capital structure which maximizes shareholder wealth. This question has gained prominence within the strategic management field because of the apparent link between capital structure and the ability of firms to compete. By integrating models from organizational economics with the strategic management literature, we are able to theorize that a firm’s capital structure is influenced by environmental dynamism, and that the match between environmental dynamism and capital structure is associated with superior economic performance. Our large‐scale empirical analyses provide supportive evidence for the proposition that competitive environments moderate the relationship between capital structure and economic performance. From a theoretical standpoint, these findings provide another link between capital structure and corporate strategy. More importantly, we are able to move the discussion beyond the limitations of financial risk and incorporate the strategy concept of decision making under uncertainty. For practical application, these findings offer informed advice for managers on how to craft a capital structure. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.