Board size and financial performance of the Cooperative Bank in South Sudan. A cross-sectional study.

Authors

  • Simon Carlo Sebit School of Graduate Studies and Research, Team University Author
  • Fred Kisule School of Graduate Studies and Research, Team University Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.64792/fmvmg487

Keywords:

Board size, Financial performance, corporate governance, Cooperative Bank, South Sudan banking sector, regression analysis

Abstract

Background:

The study aimed to examine the relationship between board size and the financial performance of the Cooperative Bank in South Sudan.

 Methodology:

This study employed a correlational research design using both quantitative and qualitative approaches. Data were collected from 59 respondents selected from a population of 70 Cooperative Bank employees through purposive and simple random sampling. Questionnaires, interviews, and documentary reviews were used to gather data. Instrument validity was assessed using the Content Validity Index (CVI), while reliability was tested using Cronbach’s alpha. Data were analyzed using SPSS Version 19, applying descriptive statistics, correlation, and regression analyses to examine relationships between variables.

 Results:

A total of 59 out of 59 questionnaires were returned, giving a response rate of 100%. Most respondents were male (72.8%), while females constituted 27.2%. The largest age group was 40–49 years (33.8%), followed by 30–39 years (30.5%). Respondents agreed that board size contributes to firm value (M=4.19, SD=0.73), board members understand their responsibilities (M=4.10, SD=1.02), and limiting board size improves performance (M=4.06, SD=0.90). Regular board meetings were perceived as inadequate (M=2.19, SD=1.61). Key themes identified were optimal board size, board effectiveness, decision-making efficiency, governance costs, and meeting frequency. Financial performance was associated with regular board meetings (M=3.61, SD=0.89) and board diversity (M=4.00, SD=0.83). Board size showed a significant positive relationship with ROA (r=0.582, p<0.01) and ROE (r=0.541, p<0.01), and a significant negative relationship with NPL ratio (r=-0.497, p<0.01). Board size significantly predicted financial performance (β=0.582, p<0.001), explaining 33.9% of the variation in ROA.

 Conclusion:

Board structure without board process yields no realized value.

 Recommendation:

The Management of Cooperative Bank should conduct quarterly governance sessions for employees to improve their understanding of board decisions and performance alignment.

Author Biographies

  • Simon Carlo Sebit, School of Graduate Studies and Research, Team University

    a student pursuing a degree of master of Science in Finance at Team University

  • Fred Kisule, School of Graduate Studies and Research, Team University

    research supervisor at Team University

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Published

2026-07-27

Issue

Vol. 2 No. 3 (2026): July 2026 Issue

Section

Business, Economics, and Management

License

Copyright (c) 2026 Simon Carlo Sebit, Fred Kisule (Author)

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How to Cite

Board size and financial performance of the Cooperative Bank in South Sudan. A cross-sectional study. (2026). East African Journal of Research and Innovation, 2(3), 12. https://doi.org/10.64792/fmvmg487