Signaling, Resource-Based Power, and Pre-IPO Organizational Change

Authors

John S. Pearlstein, Stockton UniversityFollow
Robert D. Hamilton, Temple UniversityFollow

Issue Season

Spring/Fall

Document Type

Research Article

Abstract

The theory presented suggests that underwriters are both advisors and independent agents in the issuer’s attempt to send “signals” of quality to investors by making pre-IPO organizational changes. These pre-IPO gambits are intended to increase IPO proceeds, and preemptively address potential investor concerns that would deter them from subscribing. These organizational changes initially can financially benefit founders, early investors and underwriters. But they can also have a longterm impact that some issuers, especially founders, would prefer to avoid. Utilizing signaling and resource-based power, we find that underwriter power is significantly associated with making pre-IPO gambits and lower levels of underpricing.

Recommended Citation

Pearlstein, John S. and Hamilton, Robert D. (2012) "Signaling, Resource-Based Power, and Pre-IPO Organizational Change," New England Journal of Entrepreneurship: Vol. 15: No. 1, Article 5.
Available at: https://digitalcommons.sacredheart.edu/neje/vol15/iss1/5