The Dynamic Effects of Globalization on the Firm Performance: A Study on Korea Maritime and Fishery Companies

The Dynamic Effects of Globalization on the Firm Performance: A Study on Korea Maritime and Fishery Companies

Purpose - This study aimed to analyze the dynamic effects of progress in globalization on firm performance by employing individual companies’ financial statement datasets. Design/methodology - The analysis leveraged the variables of operating revenue (OPRE) and pre-tax profit and loss (PLBT) as measurement variables for firm performance over 2011-2019. As a proxy variable for globalization, the trade index, a subordinate indicator of the KOF Globalization Index, was used. Through panel regression analysis, the relationship among those variables was ascertained, and the local projection (LP) method was subsequently utilized to identify dynamic effects. A subsample analysis was further performed by classifying companies based on their sizes and industries to determine the differential effects of globalization on each group. Findings - The panel regression analysis derived positive effects of an increasing degree of globalization on OPRE of Korea maritime and fishery firms. However, the impulse response functions, obtained from the LP, showed that in the short run, globalization affects PLBT negatively but in the long run, it gradually converted into a positive effect. In addition, according to the subsample analysis based on company size, the effects of globalization on OPRE became greater as each company became larger. Moreover, the industry-based analysis showed heterogeneous effects, depending on the industries in which the maritime and fishery companies operated. Originality/value - The analysis of the dynamic effects of globalization on firm performance, which revealed that the effects vary depending on the time points, is the important contribution of this study. The results also suggest that the effects of globalization vary depending on the company size and industry.