The Cost of Diversity: The Diversification Discount and Inefficient Investment

A-Tier
Journal: Journal of Finance
Year: 2000
Volume: 55
Issue: 1
Pages: 35-80

Score contribution per author:

1.341 = (α=2.01 / 3 authors) × 2.0x A-tier

α: calibrated so average coauthorship-adjusted count equals average raw count

Abstract

We model the distortions that internal power struggles can generate in the allocation of resources between divisions of a diversified firm. The model predicts that if divisions are similar in the level of their resources and opportunities, funds will be transferred from divisions with poor opportunities to divisions with good opportunities. When diversity in resources and opportunities increases, however, resources can flow toward the most inefficient division, leading to more inefficient investment and less valuable firms. We test these predictions on a panel of diversified U.S. firms during the period from 1980 to 1993 and find evidence consistent with them.

Technical Details

RePEc Handle
repec:bla:jfinan:v:55:y:2000:i:1:p:35-80
Journal Field
Finance
Author Count
3
Added to Database
2026-01-29