• The Korean Journal of Financial Management
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• v.26 no.1
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• pp.1-29
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• 2009

As foreign investors' share holdings in Korean firms have dramatically increased since 1998 following the financial deregulation on the limit of foreign stock investment, the concern over the negative impacts the foreign investors would bring on the firms' financial policy has been growing too. Foreign investors were perceived to require the firms of excessive payments of cash dividends sometimes with threat of hostile takeover trials detering the firm from investing its cash flow in the physical facilities and RandD eroding their potential growth capabilities. We examine the impact of foreign investment on the firms' dividend policy using 234 listed firms' panel data over the sample periods of 1998 to 2005 employing various panel regression methodology. Foreign shareholders are found not to be related or even negatively related to the payout ratio(dividend/net income), but positively and statistically significantly related to the ratio of cash dividends to book of asset, negatively to the dividend yields. Considering the payout ratio is the most appropriate measure for the dividend payment, we can not support the arguments that the foreign investors' holdings have induced the excessive dividend level in Korean firms.

• Journal of Distribution Science
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• v.14 no.6
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• pp.75-80
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• 2016

Purpose - A growing demand for sustainability reporting has placed pressure on firms with non-financial information that affects firm valuation, growth, and development. In particular, a number of researchers have investigated various topics in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), non-financial information. Prior studies suggest that CSR may affect corporate outcomes like corporate reporting, financial performance, and disclosures. However, the results from prior studies are not clear whether CSR affects corporate outcomes. This is partially due to the measurement issues with CSR. In this study, we examine whether CSR affects the quality of corporate reporting, one of the popular measures in corporate outcomes. We find an evidence that CSR positively affects the quality of corporate reporting. Research design, data, and methodology - In this study, we collected a unique dataset of CSR from MSCI. Total 169 firms listed in the Korean Stock Exchange from 2011 to 2014 were collected and analysed with the detailed CSR reports. Using a correlation test, we found a weak association between CSR and the quality of corporate reporting. However, the regression tests provided a strong relationship between CSR and the quality of corporate reporting after controlling for other variables that may affect the quality of corporate reporting. Additionally, we calculated the t-statistics based on heteroskedaticity-consistent standard errors (White, 1980). Results - Before we run the regression test, we sort the measures of the two dependent variables into each rating of CSR (from AAA to CCC). The results indicate that the quality of corporate reporting measured by discretionary accruals and performance-matched discretionary accruals monotonically decrease as the CSR ratings increase. This supports our hypothesis. In the regression tests, the coefficient on MJDA (PMDA) is -0.183 (-0.173) and significant at the 5% level. We can interpret the results as CSR affecting the quality of corporate reporting in positive ways. Other coefficients on control variables are consistent with prior studies. For example, the coefficients on both LOSS and LEV are positive and significant at conventional level, meaning that firms with financial difficulty may harm their quality of corporate reporting. Conclusion - We found an evidence that CSR is positively associated with the quality of corporate reporting. This study contributes to the literature in various ways. First, this study extends the line of CSR research by providing additional evidence in the setting of ethical behaviors by managements. This is consistent with the hypothesis and supports the results of prior studies. Second, to the best of my knowledge, this is the first study using the MSCI CSR ratings. In contrast with prior studies using different measures of CSR, the MSCI CSR ratings allow us to provide in-depth analysis. Third, the additional measure of dependent variable (PMDA) allows us to improve the robustness of our results. Overall, the results provided this study to extend the findings in prior studies by providing incremental evidence.

• Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society
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• v.20 no.6
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• pp.379-389
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• 2019

The study empirically investigates financial factors that may influence on corporate R&D intensity during the post-era of the global financial turmoil (from 2010 to 2015) to mitigate possible spillover effect associated with the crisis. Concerning the empirical research settings of the study, chaebol firms listed in the KOSPI stock market are used as sample data with adopting various econometric estimation methods to enhance validity of the results. In the first hypothesis test, it is found that there exist inter-industry financial differences in terms of the ratio of R&D expenditure across all the sample years, but the statistical differences may arise from only a few domestic industries beloning to the high-growth sector. Moreover, it is also interesting to identify that, for the high-tech sector, 3 explanatory variables such as R&D intensity in a prior year, firm size and change in cash holdings are proved to be financial factors to discriminate between chaebol firms and their counterparts of non-chaebol firms, whereas a proportion of tangible assets over total assets as well as the former two variables are shown to be significant factors on the R&D intensity for the low-tech sector.

• The Journal of the Korea Contents Association
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• v.19 no.5
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• pp.217-232
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• 2019

As the role of entrepreneurship has become more important for continuous business growth in a rapidly changing economic environment, numerous studies dealing with entrepreneurship are taking place. However, recent studies has concentrated mainly on business-oriented entrepreneurship which emphasizes corporate efficiency only. While in the era of fourth industrial revolution human resources are more important than corporate efficiency, the existing literature is largely focused on traditional entrepreneurship. Research on humane entrepreneurship has not been rigorous, and there are few studies involving small and medium-size enterprises (SMEs) in particular. The purpose of this study is to fill in this void by investigating the effect of humane entrepreneurship on core competencies of SMEs and the effect of these core competencies on corporate performance. To examine SMEs core competencies and their performance from the perspective of humane entrepreneurship, this study set up traditional entrepreneurship and humane entrepreneurship as variables, and develop research model based on these variables. This study tests 5 different hypothesis using this model. A survey was conducted among CEOs and executives at SMEs in Seoul and Gyeonggido, South Korea from, June 26 to August 1, 2018. A total of 310 questionnaires were analyzed. The results show that both traditional and human entrepreneurship have a positive effect on the core competencies of SMEs, which are core competency factors, and that core competencies positively affect both non-financial performance and financial performance. Moreover, non-financial performance is found to have positive effect on financial performance. Given these findings, this study suggests that humane entrepreneurship is critical to SMEs and their performance, no less than traditional entrepreneurship. This study provides profound implications of necessity of raising humane entrepreneurship in environment of companies.

• The Journal of the Korea Contents Association
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• v.20 no.12
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• pp.492-497
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• 2020

Today, banks around the world are making great efforts to adapt to the rapidly changing internal and external environment changes caused by the development of IT technology and to gain a competitive advantage in the market. In particular, in line with the rapid growth of smartphone usage, financial services are also provided in a variety of ways using Fintech, and one of the fastest growing areas is mobile simple payment. Mobile payment service is a financial service that pays the purchase price using a portable mobile device. As fintech, a convergence of financial services and information technology, it is recently used not only in financial services, but also in various industries. It is used in all fields where payment functions such as distribution are available. In the case of mobile cards, it shows that the usage rate of people in their 20s and 30s is increasing very much, so it can be said that the use of mobile payment services will continue to increase in the coming future. We know that simple payments are being used. However, it can be said that the research on the use of mobile payment services by these teenagers is somewhat incomplete. Therefore, this study investigated what factors are important for Korean teenagers to use mobile payment services. As a result, among the five hypotheses presented in this study, all hypotheses were adopted except for , which states that cash usage habits have no effect on innovation.

• Korean small business review
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• v.42 no.2
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• pp.43-67
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• 2020

Studies on technological innovation of SMEs have made remarkable growth both qualitatively and quantitatively, but each study has a limitation to generalize due to lack of data, diversity of methodologies and variables. Therefore, a systematic and comprehensive statistical approach to obtain generalized conclusions through numerous empirical studies can help both the strategic decision making of SMEs and the government's innovation policies. The purpose of this study is to comprehensively analyze the technological innovation process of SMEs through meta-analysis. For this, the antecedents of technological innovation, the relationship between technological innovation and management performance of SMEs were analyzed. The results of using 62,512 samples from 111 domestic empirical studies were as follows; First, to improve the technological innovation of SMEs, internal cooperation, innovation culture, dynamic capabilities, and absorptive capacity were important antecedents. Second, in terms of IP performance, which was introduced as a proxy for technological innovation, human resource management, technological opportunities, commercialization capabilities, financial resources, and R&D expenditure. Third, technological innovation has a medium-sized effect on financial performance, however the effect of IP performance has a small effect size. Lastly, in the relationship between technological innovation and financial performance, the method of measurement and publication type showed statistically significant moderating effects.

• Journal of Wind Energy
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• v.15 no.1
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• pp.5-10
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• 2024

Offshore wind power generation has significant advantages, including enhanced energy security and job creation. However, despite these benefits, South Korea has not fully utilized its potential in this sector. In contrast, offshore wind power industry development in Europe has been driven by government leadership. Drawing from this experience, South Korea also needs to relax regulations, strengthen necessary infrastructure, and enhance financial support systems to activate the offshore wind power industry. For this, sustained government leadership is absolutely essential. Without addressing the capacity issues in the power grid, we cannot expect offshore wind power generation to succeed. To address grid issues, we propose the enactment of a special law called the "Special Act on Grid Expansion." Considering KEPCO's financial situation, private investment should be encouraged for grid construction. The role of developers is crucial for the successful development and operation of offshore wind power. They manage risks throughout various stages, from site acquisition to construction and operation, which have a significant impact on the success or failure of projects. Since domestic developers currently lack experience in offshore wind power, a cooperative strategy that leverages the experience and technology of advanced countries is necessary. Energy issues should be recognized as important tasks beyond mere political ideologies, as they are crucial for the survival of the nation and its development. It is essential to form a public consensus and implement ways for residents to coexist with offshore wind power, along with the conservation of marine ecosystems and effective communication with stakeholders. Expansion of the offshore wind power industry requires support in various areas, including financial and tax incentives, technology research investment, and workforce development. In particular, achieving carbon neutrality by 2050 necessitates the activation of offshore wind power alongside efforts by major corporations to transition to renewable energy. South Korea, surrounded by the sea, holds significant offshore wind power potential, and it is our responsibility to harness it as a sustainable energy source for future generations. To activate the offshore wind power market, we need to provide financial and tax support, develop infrastructure and research, and foster a skilled workforce. As major corporations transition to renewable energy to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, offshore wind power must play a significant role. It is our responsibility to fully utilize South Korea's potential and make offshore wind power a new driver of growth.

• Journal of Korea Society of Industrial Information Systems
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• v.29 no.5
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• pp.113-124
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• 2024

FinTech has been credited with generating positive economic outcomes by improving access to financial services through technological innovations. This study examines how FinTech diffusion impacts firm performance using the case of China-one of the world's fastest-growing FinTech markets. Moreover, given China's unique economic landscape-characterized by disparities between the eastern regions and the rest of the country, largely due to early policy decisions that prioritized efficient growth during the Reform and Opening-up period-regional variables (eastern vs. central-western) are incorporated into the model. A random effects model analysis was conducted using panel data collected over six years from listed companies in China. The hypothesis that the level of FinTech diffusion would have a positive impact on firm performance was not supported at the 5% significance level. However, statistical evidence was found for the moderating effect of regional disparities. Specifically, in regions with lower levels of economic development and underdeveloped financial infrastructure-where access to traditional financial services is constrained-the positive impact of FinTech diffusion was more pronounced. These findings suggest that while the economic benefits of FinTech diffusion may not uniformly enhance corporate performance, they can vary depending on contextual factors such as regional disparities.

• Journal of the Korean association of regional geographers
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• v.11 no.1
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• pp.83-100
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• 2005

The Seoul Metropolitan Area's economy has undergone structural changes since the 1990s. With recent structural changes in the Korean economy in mind, this paper employs a decomposition analysis of Gross Regional Domestic Product per head and labor productivity to examine how the region's economic performance has changed relative to that of Korea since the 1900s. There are some findings. First, a strong cumulative causation process, derived from industrial linkages and agglomeration effects, has oocurred in the Seoul Metropolitan Area, widening economic disparities between the Seoul Metropolitan Area and the other regions especially since the Korean financial crisis in 1997 mainly due to Gyeonggi province's overwhelming cumulative GRDP growth relative to the national average. Second, the Seoul Metropolitan Area has begun w display good economic performance in terms of labour productivity relative w the national average since the late 1990s, with the region's industrial upgrading being implemented. Finally, manufacturing, financial intermediation and communications have made sensitive contributions to relative Seoul Metropolitan Area's labor productivity growth.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.61 no.4
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• pp.114-120
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• 2018

Purpose: Routine screening for toxoplasmosis, rubella, cytomegalovirus (CMV), and herpes simplex virus (TORCH) in intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) and small for gestational age (SGA) neonates has become a common practice. However, the incidence of TORCH varies across countries, and the cost of TORCH testing may be disadvantageous compared to disease-specific screening. To evaluate the efficacy of TORCH screening, the medical charts of IUGR or SGA neonates born in a single institution in Bucheon, Korea from 2011 to 2015 were reviewed. Methods: The clinical data of the 126 IUGR or SGA neonates were gathered, including gestational age, Apgar scores, neonatal sonographic findings, chromosome study, morbidities, developmental follow-up, and growth catch-up. Maternal factors including underlying maternal disease and fetal sonography were collected, and placental findings were recorded when available. TORCH screening was done using serum IgM, CMV urine culture, quantification of CMV DNA with real-time polymerase chain reaction, and rapid plasma reagin qualitative test for syphilis. Tests were repeated only for those with positive results. Results: Of the 119 TORCH screenings, only one was positive for toxoplasmosis IgM. This result was deemed false positive due to negative IgM on repeated testing and the absence of clinical symptoms. Conclusion: Considering the incidence and risk of TORCH in Korea, the financial burden of TORCH screening, and the single positive TORCH finding in our study, we suggest disease-specific screening based on maternal history and the clinical symptoms of the neonate. Regarding CMV, which may present asymptomatically, universal screening may be appropriate upon cost-benefit analysis.