Owners of Korean Conglomerates and Corporate Investment

Abstract

We investigate whether Korean chaebol owner’s personal features affect corporate investment or not, for they have a unique governance system controlled by one powerful owner. With this governance, the impact of personal characteristics on major corporate decisions can be tested more clearly. We used the aggregate financial statement to measure chaebol’s financial performances in a more reasonable way as well. Our study shows a few noticeable results. Aggregate financial performances of chaebols are different from those of individual companies. Owner’s personal features affect corporate decision makings in Korean chaebols. Especially, chaebols under succession process invest less than others, preferring more conservative approaches for succession.