The triangular relationship between energy consumption, trade openness and economic growth: new empirical evidence

Our paper examines the triangular relationships between energy consumption, trade openness and economic growth of 45 countries from 1991 to 2014 using dynamic seemingly unrelated regression (DSUR) models. We confirm a bidirectional relationship among energy consumption and income, trade openness and income, trade openness and energy consumption for countries in the long run. Interestingly, the impact of energy consumption on economic growth is larger than the impact of trade openness, trade openness evidence larger impact on energy consumption than the impact of economic growth. However, the effect of economic growth on trade openness is the largest in the triangular relationships. We suggest that energy measures that aim to lessen energy usage in an economy will hinder economic growth. Our results provide insights for policymakers to understand and develop energy, trade, and environmental policies for sustainable development in the long run

The Effects of Blockchain Technology on Corporate Governance: Evidence from Emerging Economy

Modern developments in digitization have completely changed business structures and operating procedures. The core structure of a database can be built using the distributed technology known as blockchain, which combines data blocks and hash chains. Blockchain has been recommended by academics as one of the foundational elements of corporate governance. Though previous studies examined the impact of blockchain on firm numerous extents, few study has investigated the impact of blockchain technology on corporate governance. We examined the effects of blockchain technology on corporate governance of financial institutions in Nigeria. We use multiple regression over 121 responses. Samples were collected using a random sampling method. Results indicates that blockchain technology has positive impact on corporate governance suggesting the removal of agents as intermediaries in corporate governance through code, peers’ connectivity, and collaboration. Our results help managers transform the regulatory, financial, and entire governance structure of financial institutions

Corporate Tax Avoidance and Firm Profitability

The idea of trying to reduce an organization’s tax expense is considered as old as the inception of taxation itself as organizations are always trying to exploit loopholes in the complexities of the existing tax system. The traditional motive for such practices is to reduce expenses, thereby increasing the firm’s net profit. In view of this, tax avoidance has always been considered as being in the interest of the shareholders, as it is intended to increase value. However, this view has greatly been questioned in recent researches. Taking data from the annual reports and financial statements of firms listed on the Ghana Stock Exchange (GSE), we empirically tested whether tax avoidance of a firm really translates to increase in value or profitability. Employing a standard Ordinary Least Square regression model, we test our hypotheses using SPSS statistical tools. Our findings confirmed a negative relationship between the tax avoidance measure (ETR) and the measure of profitability (ROA). We conclude that tax avoidance could translate into profitability or value due to the balance of expertise and professionalism exhibited. We recommend that a firm need to have a good corporate governance structure in place, particularly the board structure, since they are in a better position to influence management’s decisions and actions, in order to achieve the intended benefits of such practices

Corporate Fraud: Causes, Effects, and Deterrence on Financial Institutions in Ghana

This paper focuses on finding the causes, effects, and deterrence and prevention of corporate fraud in the financial institution of Ghana. In particular, we examine the effects of fraud on a firm’s financial performance. A cross sectional model was used to find the effects of financial institutions fraud on financial performance. It was revealed that fraud has a significant negative effects on financial performance i.e. Return on Assets of financial institutions in Ghana. However, structured questionnaires were also used to find out the perception of Accountants, Auditors, and management on the main causes of banking fraud and deterrence and prevention methods in curbing the menace. It was revealed that weaker internal control, inadequate training and fraud policies, failed documents, and proper remuneration are the strong arsenal that causes fraud in financial institutions of Ghana. Moreover, organizational use of password protection, good remuneration, employee’s background checks, and adequate fraud training were perceived as the most deterrence and prevention method in fighting fraud in financial institutions. Our results have practical implication for management, accountants, auditors, and all stakeholders in financial institutions on the effects of fraud on firms financial performance and in mounting fool proof methods in curbing this canker and reducing it to its bearest minimum. The study contributes deterrence and prevention methods aimed at improving its effectiveness in reducing fraud in Ghana and West Africa