Effect of Board Size and Board Independence on Intellectual Capital Disclosure of Listed Conglomerate Companies in Nigeria

Abstract

This study examines the effect of board size and independence on intellectual capital disclosure of conglomerate companies in Nigeria for the period 2014 - 2023. An ex-post facto research design was adopted for the study. The population of the study consists of 5 conglomerate companies listed on the floor of the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX). The study utilized census sampling technique to take all the population. The data used were secondary derived from the annual reports and accounts of conglomerate companies that are listed on the NGX as at 31st Dec. 2023. The study used logistic regression to analyse data. The panel multiple regression result revealed that independent directors have a positive significant effect on intellectual capital disclosure of listed conglomerate companies in Nigeria. Board size has no significant effect on intellectual disclosure. The study concludes that independent directors influence intellectual capital disclosure while board size does not influence intellectual capital disclosure of conglomerate companies. The study recommends that the management of conglomerate companies in Nigeria should adhere to the 2018 Code of Corporate Governance by appointing independent directors to enhance transparency and objectivity in decision-making, further improving intellectual capital reporting practices.