R&D Investment and Corporate Governance Systems for the Performance of Chinese Firms

This study aims to examine the impact of corporate governance systems on the relationship between R&D investment and the performance of Chinese firms. The sample firms were obtained from the statistical yearbook of Chinese high-tech firms. We implement a multiple-regression analysis for an empirical examination. The findings of showed that the separation of the board chair with CEO strengthen the R&D investment-performance relationship of Chinese firms. However, the outsider ratio of the board was found to negatively moderate that relationship. This study provides practical guidelines for Chinese firms undertaking R&D management and corporate governance systems. It also encourages future study on the effects of corporate governance as the means for R&D investment management.