Description:
The purpose of the paper is to develop a risk measure in the form of a risk index and a governance index as an indicator of the quality of governance structure. Using the Delphi technique, two indices are developed (risk index and corporate governance index (CGI)); subsequently, using the 10-year (2005-2015) data of top Indian Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) and diff-GMM regression (to deal with endogeneity), indices have been validated. Though the data set may appear old, it has only been used to test the risk index and analyze the results. Empirical evidence on indices indicates that Indian PSUs have 'moderate' risk levels and ample scope for improvement in their governance structure. Further, a positive relation between governance index and returns and negative relation between risk index and returns lend credence to the indices developed in the study. Notably, the governance index appears to be a moderating variable in the relationship between risk and return. It is perhaps the first study to put forth a comprehensive measure of risk to measure risk levels of PSUs and prescribe a measure of the quality of governance structure. While constructing the CGI, certain non-compliances were observed, even in terms of mandatory requirements, such as the proportion of PSUs may take independent directors. The new datasets may further check for compliance and its effect on the results. Such infringements call for stringent penal provisions and better monitoring of PSUs. Further, if the normative frameworks are adhered to as per the study by the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) and Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA), more effective and efficient decisions with lower risks, and hassle-free management resulting in better return on assets and return on equity.