CEO Compensation and SMEs Performance: A Structural Equation Modelling Approach from Jordanian Listed SMEs

Abstract

This study's main goal is to discover whether the CEO's cash comparison affects SMEs' performance, with the bonus having a favorable impact instead. The research comprises an analysis of the SMEs mentioned in the Jordanian Ministry of Industry and Trade. To test hypotheses, data were meticulously collected from a sample of 80 SMEs in Amman, Jordan, a pivotal business hub in the country. Utilizing Structural Equation Modelling through Smart PLS 3, our chosen methodological framework facilitated a comprehensive analysis of the intricate relationships between CEO compensation variables and SME performance. The study's conclusions show a substantial correlation between the performance of SMEs included and the components of CEO compensation in the Jordanian Ministry of Industry and Trade. Despite this, it has been discovered that a few additional incentive factors significantly improve performance in SMEs. This study has shown that some incentive contract theories are appropriate for businesses with specific sizes and operating in particular industries.