[en] This paper examines the impact of organizational performance on subsequent risk-taking behavior.
More specifically, using a sample of 2892 European acquisitions, it is analyzed whether companies are more likely to conduct risky actions like acquisitions in times of bad organizational performance. Risk theory suggests that the risk-taking behavior of organizations is context-dependent, with a greater risk-appetite in times of failure than in times of success. Past performance is denoted successful whenever company specific aspiration levels were met. Consequently, it is hypothesized that the probability of a company to get actively involved in acquisitions decreases with increasing relative performance. The findings of the analysis support the hypothesized relationship. Organizations are sensitive to performance relative to aspiration levels. The better the performance relative to aspiration levels the lower the propensities to initiate
acquisitions. Companies with experience from prior deals are more likely to engage in acquisitions
and less sensitive to relative performance.
Disciplines :
Finance
Author, co-author :
Lehnert, Thorsten ; University of Luxembourg > Faculty of Law, Economics and Finance (FDEF) > Luxembourg School of Finance (LSF)
Brinckmann, Martin
External co-authors :
yes
Language :
English
Title :
Aspirations, ORGANIZATIONAL PERFORMANCE AND RISKY DECISIONS
Publication date :
2012
Event name :
Advances in Business-Related Scientific Research Conference
