Board composition, ownership structure and dividend policy: Evidence from NSE listed companies in India

Purpose The purpose of the study is to analyse the influence of board composition and ownership structure on the dividend pay-out policy of selected listed Indian companies. Design/methodology/approach The top 30 companies listed on National Stock Exchange were examined for a period of three financial years from 2019 to 2021. Due to the cross-sectional and time-series character of the data, fixed effect panel model is used as the primary analytical approach. Findings The results revealed that there is a significant and positive association between board size and dividend policy. The results confirm that the firms with higher Indian ownership and non-institutional ownership distribute higher levels of dividend. No significant association was found between board independence and dividend decisions of ratios. Finally, it is observed that there is a positive impact of return on assets on dividend policy. Research limitations/implications Future studies can confirm the impact of ownership determinants and board characteristics on dividend distribution policy by taking stock dividends into account and enlarging the sample size of developing market businesses. They can also investigate ownership factors including management ownership and international ownership, in addition to other board attributes like qualification, tenure and age. This will offer a more thorough comprehension of how these variables relate to dividend policy. Practical implications Because they are better able to assess the financial position and make educated judgments, a diverse and independent board of directors may result in more strategic and cautious dividend policies. The dividend policy of a firm is also influenced by its ownership structure and strategic objectives; small or primary shareholders may exert pressure for larger payments. By focusing on long-term strategic goals rather than immediate requirements, managers may guarantee that interests are aligned. The findings of this study offer significant guidance to management and regulators about the dividend policy of publicly listed corporations. Social implications According to agency theory, the link between ownership structure, board composition and dividend policy may be explained by agency conflicts. Independent directors are necessary for the board to make decisions that effectively balance the interests of management and shareholders, particularly when it comes to paying dividends. According to studies, companies with non-executive directors have greater interest alignment and fewer agency issues. In addition, the ownership structure and makeup of the board are important factors in lowering agency conflicts and enhancing corporate governance procedures. Companies may improve their governance procedures and increase value for shareholders by resolving conflicts of interest. Originality/value The research paper contributes to the existing body of knowledge by analysing and uncovering significant and unknown relationship between board composition, ownership structure and dividend policy. The paper explores the relationship between specific ownership structures and dividend policy in context of a developing country where limited research exists and addresses a research question that has not been extensively studied before.