Strategic Change: Effects on Accounting Performance and Implications of Board Succession and Compensation

Based on a sample of German and U.S. American companies, the findings presented in this publication suggest that strategic change negatively affects financial performance in the short- to medium-run. However, managers may improve performance outcomes through prioritization of attractive business units. When choosing attractive segments, managers can both pick attractive segments based on growth or profitability to reach desired outcomes. Further, results indicate how supervisory boards may use personnel changes as well as executive compensation to initiate strategic change.