Corporate Performance Implications of Relational Demographic Differences: On Age and Titles of Chairpersons versus General Managers of Listed Chinese Companies

By analysing archival data of 5451 Chinese listed companies, this investigation offers insights into how the relational demographic differences between the highest ranking executives (chairperson and general manager) may affect corporate performance in a Chinese cultural context. Overall, the findings derived from the regression analyses reveal that, for status‐laden demographic attributes such as age and title possession, relational‐norm‐consistent demographic differences lead to better corporate performance. In addition, the findings highlight that relational demographic homogeneity in terms of title possession also boosts corporate performance. Furthermore, this investigation provides empirical evidence for the significant moderating effect of industry sales growth on the relationship between the relational demographic difference in title possession and corporate performance. The finding suggests the importance of adopting a contingent approach to appoint the chairperson and general manager in line with relevant industry conditions.