David F. Larcker

DavidF.Larcker
Professor of Law (by courtesy), Stanford Law School
Senior Faculty of the Arthur and Toni Rembe Rock Center for Corporate Governance at Stanford
Academic Area: 
Accounting

Additional Administrative Titles

  • Co-Director, Directors’ Consortium
Director, Corporate Governance Research Initiative

Research Statement

Professor Larcker’s research focuses on executive compensation, corporate governance, and managerial accounting. His work examines the choice of performance measures and compensation contracts in organizations. He has current research projects on the valuation implications of corporate governance, the impact of proxy advisory firms on shareholder proxy voting and modeling the cost of executive stock options.

Bio

Professor Larcker presently holds the James Irvin Miller Professorship. He is the director of the Corporate Governance Research Initiative at the Stanford Graduate School of Business and senior faculty of the Arthur and Toni Rembe Rock Center for Corporate Governance at Stanford University. Professor Larcker was previously the Ernst & Young Professor of accounting at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania and Professor of accounting and information systems at the Kellogg Graduate School of Management at Northwestern University. He received his PhD in Business from the University of Kansas and his BS and MS in Engineering from the University of Missouri- Rolla.

He is on the editorial boards of the Journal of Accounting and Economics, Journal of Accounting Research, Accounting, Organizations and Society, Journal of Accounting and Public Policy, Journal of Applied Corporate Finance. Professor Larcker received the Notable Contribution to Managerial Accounting Research in 2001.

Academic Degrees

  • PhD, University of Kansas, 1978
  • MS, University of Missouri-Rolla, 1974
  • BS, University of Missouri-Rolla, 1972

Academic Appointments

  • At Stanford University since 2005
  • Ernst & Young Professor of Accounting, The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania, 1985-2005
  • Assistant Professor - Professor, J.L. Kellogg Graduate School of Management, Northwestern University, 1978-1985

Awards and Honors

  • Winnick Family Faculty Fellow, Stanford GSB, 2013-2014
  • Notable Contribution to Managerial Accounting Research, 2001
  • PhD Faculty Distinguished Service Award, Stanford GSB, 2010

Publications

Journal Articles

David F. Larcker, Stephen A. Miles, Brian Tayan, Kim Wright-Violich. Corporate Board. June 2019, Vol. 40, Issue 236, Pages 1-5.
David F. Larcker, Brian Tayan. CGRI Research Spotlight Series. March 2019.
David F. Larcker, Brian Tayan. CGRI Research Spotlight Series. Corporate Governance Research Initiative (CGRI), March 2019.
Ed deHaan, David F. Larcker, Charles McClure. Review of Accounting Studies. February 27, 2019, Vol. 24, Issue 2, Pages 536-569.
Ian D. Gow, David F. Larcker, Peter C. Reiss. Journal of Accounting Reseach. April 19, 2016, Vol. 54, Issue 2, Pages 477-523.
David F. Larcker, Brian Tayan. CGRI Research Spotlight Series. Corporate Governance Research Initiative, 2016.
Christopher S. Armstrong, Jennifer L. Blouina, Alan D. Jagolinzer, David F. Larcker. Journal of Accounting and Economics. August 2015, Vol. 60, Issue 1, Pages 1 – 17.
David F. Larcker, Allan L. McCall, Gaizka Ormazabal. Journal of Law and Economics. February 2015, Vol. 58, Issue 1, Pages 173-204.
Christopher S. Armstrong, Ian D. Gow, David F. Larcker. Journal of Accounting Research. December 2013, Vol. 51, Issue 5, Pages 909-950.
David F. Larcker, Allan L. McCall, Gaizka Ormazabal. Journal of Accounting and Economics. November 2013, Vol. 56, Issue 2–3, Pages 149–169.
Christopher S. Armstrong, David F. Larcker, Gaizka Ormazabal, Daniel J. Taylor. Journal of Financial Economics. August 2013, Vol. 109 , Issue 2, Pages 327–350.
David F. Larcker, Eric C. So, Charles C.Y. Wang. Journal of Accounting & Economics. April 2013, Vol. 55, Issue 2–3, Pages 225–250.
Christopher S. Armstrong, Christopher D. Ittner, David F. Larcker. Review of Accounting Studies. June 2012, Vol. 17, Issue 2, Pages 322–351.
David F. Larcker, Anastasia A. Zakolyukina. Journal of Accounting Research. May 2012, Vol. 50, Issue 2, Pages 495–540.
Alan D. Jagolinzer, David F. Larcker, Daniel J. Taylor. Journal of Accounting Research. December 2011, Vol. 49, Issue 5, Pages 1249–1274.
David F. Larcker, Gaizka Ormazabal, Daniel J. Taylor. Journal of Financial Economics. August 2011, Vol. 101, Issue 2, Pages 431-448.
Chris Armstrong, Jennifer L. Blouin, David F. Larcker. Journal of Accounting and Economics. 2011, Vol. 53, Issue 1–2, Pages 391-411.
Robert Daines, Ian D. Gow, David F. Larcker. Journal of Financial Economics. December 2010, Vol. 98, Issue 3, Pages 439–461.
Christopher S. Armstrong, David F. Larcker, Che-Lin Su. Operations Research. July 2010, Vol. 58, Pages 1090–1106.
Christopher S. Armstrong, Alan D. Jagolinzer, David F. Larcker. Journal of Accounting Research. May 2010, Vol. 48, Issue 2, Pages 225-271.
David F. Larcker, Tjomme O. Rusticus. Journal of Accounting Research. April 2010, Vol. 49, Issue 3, Pages 186–205.
Christopher Ittner, David F. Larcker, Daniel Taylor. Marketing Science. September 2009, Vol. 28, Issue 5, Pages 825–835.
Christopher S. Armstrong, David F. Larcker. Journal of Accounting and Economics. March 2009, Vol. 47, Issue 1–2, Pages 50–58.
John E. Core, Wayne Guay, David F. Larcker. Journal of Financial Economics. April 2008, Vol. 88, Issue 1, Pages 1–25.
Christopher D. Ittner, David F. Larcker, Mina Pizzini. Journal of Accounting and Economics. December 2007, Vol. 44, Issue 3, Pages 300–327.
David F. Larcker, Scott A. Richardson, Irem Tuna. The Accounting Review. July 2007, Vol. 82, Issue 4, Pages 963–1008.
David F. Larcker, Tjomme O. Rusticus. European Accounting Review. May 2007, Vol. 16, Issue 1, Pages 207–215.
Joseph J. Gerakos, Christopher D. Ittner, David F. Larcker. Essays in Accounting Theory in Honour of Joel S. Demski. Springer, 2007, Pages 227–229.
David F. Larcker, Scott A. Richardson. Journal of Accounting Research. June 2004, Vol. 42, Issue 3, Pages 625–658.
Christopher D Ittner, David F. Larcker, Taylor Randall. Accounting, Organizations and Society. October 2003, Vol. 28, Issue 7–8, Pages 715–741.
Christopher D. Ittner, Richard A. Lambert, David F. Larcker. Journal of Accounting and Economics. January 2003, Vol. 34, Issue 1-3, Pages 89–127.

Books

David F. Larcker, Brian Tayan Larcker and Tayan, August 29, 2013.

Working Papers

Where’s the Greenium? | PDF
David F. Larcker, Edward M. Watts, February 222019
Peer Group Choice and Chief Executive Officer Compensation | PDF
David F. Larcker, Charles McClure, Christina Zhu, February 112019
Non-answers during Conference Calls | PDF
Ian D. Gow, David F. Larcker, Anastasia A. Zakolyukina, January 32019
The Big Thumb on the Scale: An Overview of the Proxy Advisory Industry | PDF
James Copland, David F. Larcker, Brian Tayan, May 302018
Retired or Fired: How Can Investors Tell If a CEO Was Pressured to Leave? | PDF
Ian D. Gow, David F. Larcker, Brian Tayan, May 252017
CEO Personality and Firm Policies | PDF
Ian D. Gow, Steven N. Kaplan, David F. Larcker, Anastasia A. Zakolyukina, July 62016
How Important Is Culture? A Second Look at Keller Williams Realty | PDF
David F. Larcker, Brian Tayan, April 122016
CEO Pay, Performance, and Value Sharing | PDF
David F. Larcker, Nicholas E. Donatiello (1960-2018), Brian Tayan, March 32016
Causal Inference in Accounting Research | PDF
Ian D. Gow, David F. Larcker, Peter C. Reiss, February 82016
Corporate Governance Data and Measures Revisited | PDF
David F. Larcker, Peter C. Reiss, Youfei Xiao, November 12015
The Information Content of Insider Trades around Government Intervention during the Financial Crisis | PDF
Alan D. Jagolinzer, David F. Larcker, Gaizka Ormazabal, Daniel J. Taylor, August 142014
An Exploratory Investigation of the Determinants and Ratings Implications of Performance Appraisal Plan Characteristics | PDF
Christopher S. Armstrong, Christopher D. Ittner, David F. Larcker, April 172014
Risk-Taking Incentives in Bank Holding Companies and the Financial Crisis
David F. Larcker, G. Ormazabal, D.J. Taylor2013

Teaching

Degree Courses

2019-20

The course will examine the academic and professional controversies surrounding corporate governance and executive compensation. A basic framework will be developed to integrate the many important dimensions of corporate governance in the U.S....

This course is focused on helping students understand the role boards and board members play in corporate governance and the lives of businesses large and small. This case-driven course is designed to help students who plan to serve on boards as...

2018-19

The course will examine the academic and professional controversies surrounding corporate governance and executive compensation. A basic framework will be developed to integrate the many important dimensions of corporate governance in the U.S....

This course is focused on helping students understand the role boards and board members play in corporate governance and the lives of businesses large and small. This case-driven course is designed to help students who plan to serve on boards as...

2017-18

The course will examine the academic and professional controversies surrounding corporate governance and executive compensation. A basic framework will be developed to integrate the many important dimensions of corporate governance in the U.S....

This course is focused on helping students understand the role boards and board members play in corporate governance and the lives of businesses large and small. This case-driven course is designed to help students who plan to serve on boards as...

Executive Education & Other Non-Degree Programs

  • Directors’ Consortium
    Learn leading-edge strategies, frameworks, and best practices for making complex and crucial board decisions in uncertain times.

Stanford Case Studies

Keller Williams Realty (B) | HR29B
James Baron, David Larcker, Brian Tayan2011
Baker Hughes, Foreign Corrupt Practices Act | CG18
David Larcker, Brian Tayan2010
Equity on Demand, The Netflix Approach to Compensation | CG19
David Larcker, Allan McCall, Brian Tayan2010
The Management of Berkshire Hathaway | CG16
David Larcker, Brian Tayan2009
Royal Dutch/Shell, A Shell Game with Oil Reserves (A) | CG17A
David Larcker, Robert Lawson, Brian Tayan2009
Say on Pay, Does the Buck Stop Here? | CG12
David Larcker, Brian Tayan2008
10b5-1 Plans, Mortgaging a Defense Against Insider Trading | CG10
David Larcker, Brian Tayan2007
Shareholder Democracy, Does Gretchen Get It Right? | CG09
David Larcker, Brian Tayan2007

Service to the Profession

Member

  • Accounting, Organization and Society, 1996-present
  • American Accounting Association
  • Journal of Accounting and Public Policy, 2002-present

Advisory Board

  • Journal of Applied Corporate Finance, 2004-present

Corporate Governance

  • Internal Governance, Organization, & Processes Abstracts Advisory Board
  • Corporate Governance Network, SSRN, 2009-present

In the Media

The Arizona Republic, June 3, 2016
Boston Globe, June 3, 2016
LiveMint, May 11, 2016
Economia, May 6, 2016
Washington Post, July 3, 2014
Crain's New York Business, June 15, 2014
The Wall Street Journal, June 13, 2014
BBC News, June 3, 2014
Forbes, June 11, 2009
Wall Street Journal, April 19, 2007
The Christian Science Monitor, February 4, 2007

Insights by Stanford Business

September 24, 2019
America’s top CEOs say their companies will focus on all stakeholders, but a corporate governance expert remains skeptical.
May 23, 2019
Despite the surging focus on environmental sustainability, a new study suggests investors still care about the old kind of green.
December 3, 2018
Seven Stanford business professors recommend their favorite books.
November 28, 2018
A new survey shows how Americans respond to CEOs who weigh in on controversial issues.
November 2, 2018
Private marketplaces are thriving as companies leverage a valuable recruitment tool.
May 2, 2018
How the company that overhauled the entertainment industry created a new model of corporate governance.
January 26, 2018
What fast-growing startups — and their boards — must understand about building culture.
October 6, 2017
A new survey highlights a tough CEO talent pool and which business leaders would be nearly impossible to replace.
January 6, 2017
Research shows what happens to succession winners and losers.
November 7, 2016
Researchers find connected bankers benefited by trading shares in their banks before government cash infusions.
February 17, 2016
A new survey shows Americans find flaws with executive compensation.
January 27, 2016
It’s an insular group, but with a couple surprises.
October 29, 2015
A new survey reveals Berkshire’s management style.
October 12, 2015
Should the chairman always be independent? Do CEOs actually make good directors?
July 10, 2015
Apply the fundamentals of corporate governance to charitable work.
April 22, 2015
A new survey shows many lack skills, engagement to effectively oversee organizations.
February 17, 2015
Investors say proxy statements are too long and too difficult to read.
February 17, 2015
Stanford scholars explain what investors need in order to understand companies’ annual statements.
January 23, 2015
Researchers show the pros and cons to this arrangement.
November 20, 2014
Not every CEO can spot a winner. Here’s what a board should consider.
January 13, 2014
Two experts on corporate governance say the firms’ influence “may not be for the better, as far as shareholder value is concerned.”
September 20, 2013
David Larcker and Brian Tayan explain why building trust in an organization pays off.
July 31, 2013
Nearly two-thirds of CEOs do not receive outside leadership advice, but nearly all want it.
July 24, 2013
In their latest book, corporate governance experts assess which governance practices really work.
May 22, 2013
In grading CEO performance, financials still dominate.
May 16, 2013
Whether shareholders benefit depends more on context than on corporate structure.
October 25, 2012
A new study reveals a disconnect between companies' understanding of social media and the actions they are taking to apply it to their business.
June 1, 2011
Corporate governance experts from Stanford GSB say criticism of CEO pay might be off the mark.
May 19, 2011
"Corporate Governance Matters" by Professor David Larcker and Brian Tayan provides a practical framework for organizational decisions.
August 1, 2010
Researchers find that speech patterns and words offer clues about whether an executive is being honest during a conference call.
June 1, 2010
A new survey says more than half of companies today could not immediately name a successor to their CEO should the need arise.
September 1, 2009
Research casts doubt on the value and validity of the ratings of governance advisory firms.
April 1, 2008
A study shows that media clamor over high executive compensation makes virtually no difference in company behavior.

School News

July 18, 2018
Nicholas Donatiello, Jr., MBA ’86, who taught corporate governance at Stanford Graduate School of Business, died at his San Francisco home two days shy of his June 28 birthday.
July 1, 2011
Case studies explore governance challenges at top companies and myths surrounding board practices.
September 1, 2005
Three senior professors — in accounting, organizational behavior, and marketing — have joined the Stanford GSB faculty, along with six junior faculty.