The effect of debt intensity on the asymmetric cost behavior: empirical evidence from local governments

Purpose This study explores the relationship between debt intensity and cost stickiness at the local government level, a setting characterized by the existence of debt constraints and political influence. Design/methodology/approach Building on a theoretical framework informed by the concepts of coercive isomorphism and accountability, the present study focuses on Greek municipalities and applies Anderson et al. ’s (2003) extended methodology, as reviewed by Banker and Byzalov (2014), in a sample of 1,366 municipality year observations for the period 2011–2020. Findings The results indicate that the degree of cost asymmetry is negatively associated with debt intensity. Periods before elections present the same picture. This negative relationship becomes insignificant in the case of large municipalities, which probably require more resources to support their operations and incur higher adjustment costs for reducing resources. These findings are robust to use alternative types of expenses associated with cost stickiness and a battery of control variables. Originality/value Little is known about the impact of debt level and financial constraints on cost behavior in the public sector context. This study takes a fresh look at the relationship between municipal debt structure and cost stickiness, adding to the understanding of cost behavior considering the debt level, financial constraints, resource-adjustment costs and the underlying managerial behavior.