In our study, we model firm performance as a function of firm-specific risk, riskmanagement
practices and the size of institutional ownership. While controlling for potential
endogeneity, we determine whether the size of institutional investor has any influence over
the association between risk and performance, measured as return on assets. The results of
the 3SLS regression show that increasing levels of firm-specific risk and a comprehensive
risk-management policy is associated with increasing institutional ownership and firm
performance. Further investigation reveals that this association is only significant for
pressure-resistant institutional investors. Research defines pressure-resistant investors as
those who do not have the scope for economic bonds and who are less averse to challenging
management. Pressure-sensitive institutional investors have the potential for business
relations with investee firms and are therefore less likely to challenge management for fear of
losing business (Brickley, Lease, & Smith, 1988).