Labor-saving innovations and capital structure

B-Tier
Journal: Journal of Corporate Finance
Year: 2024
Volume: 84
Issue: C

Authors (3)

Qiu, Jiaping (not in RePEc) Wan, Chi (University of Massachusetts-Bo...) Wang, Yan (not in RePEc)

Score contribution per author:

0.673 = (α=2.02 / 3 authors) × 1.0x B-tier

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

Abstract

This paper presents evidence that labor-saving technologies positively impact a firm's financial leverage. The results are robust with two different measures of labor-saving innovations: automation and process innovations. The effects are more pronounced in firms facing greater labor input rigidity, such as firms with higher labor intensity, share of minimum wage workers, and union coverage. Our analysis suggests that labor-saving innovations reduce wage rigidity, allowing firms to increase financial leverage.

Technical Details

RePEc Handle
repec:eee:corfin:v:84:y:2024:i:c:s0929119923001591
Journal Field
Finance
Author Count
3
Added to Database
2026-01-29