This study investigates the relationship between excess director compensation and CEO compensation and explores the effects of various abnormal CEO compensations on earnings management. The results show that CEOs who receive abnormal cash and bonus compensation resulting from excess director total compensation tend to increase firm profits through earnings management, thereby reducing future performance. By contrast, CEOs who receive abnormal incentive compensation, total compensation, and exercise-value of stock options are less likely to manipulate earnings. These findings suggest that a proper director and CEO compensation structure can reduce managerial earnings management and can motivate CEO-director collaboration.
