Integrates elements from agency theory and signaling theory and draws upon recent changes in the Australia payout policy and incentives pay for risk-averse employees to explain the paradox of the popularity of on-market stock buyback activities in a market environment characterized by reasonably high share prices.

Gilbert Amahoro Ndayisaba is a Lecturer in finance and accounting at the School of Accounting, Information Systems and Supply Chain, RMIT University, Melbourne, Australia.

Abdullahi Dahir Ahmed is a Professor in Wealth Management and Head of the Department of Financial Planning and Tax at the School of Accounting, Information Systems and Supply Chain, College of Business and Law, RMIT University, Melbourne, Australia.