Corporate governance and firm performance: in Qatari non-financial firms

PurposeThis paper aims to examine the relationship between corporate governance mechanisms and firm performance in Qatari non-financial firms over a nine-year period, including the period of high uncertainty caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.Design/methodology/approachThe study uses data from Refinitiv and employs panel data econometric techniques, namely generalized least squares (GLS), to analyze the impact of board characteristics (board size, board meetings, board gender diversity, board-specific skills, board independence), audit committee features (existence of audit committee, audit committee independence), CEO duality and management scores on both accounting and market performance of Qatari firms. Control variables include firm size, age, leverage and industry classifications.FindingsThe findings suggest that board-specific skills positively influence firm performance, while board size and gender diversity exhibit a non-significant impact. Audit committee independence enhances accounting performance but does not significantly affect market performance. Surprisingly, management scores show a significant yet negative impact on certain financial measures, indicating the need for further investigation.Practical implicationsThese insights provide valuable guidance for policymakers, investors and corporate leaders, emphasizing the importance of tailored governance practices in Qatar's unique business landscape.Originality/valueThis study provides unique insights into the governance-performance relationship in the context of Qatar, a region with limited existing research. The inclusion of the COVID-19 period adds a contemporary dimension to the analysis, highlighting the resilience and adaptability of corporate governance practices during times of crisis.