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Confusion over Accounting Conservatism: A Critical Review

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  • Yuying Xie

Abstract

type="main"> Accounting conservatism is a long-standing and the most influential convention in preparing financial statements. Surprisingly then, there is considerable debate regarding conservatism among standard setters and researchers. This paper reviews the recent literature on accounting conservatism and shows that the existing controversy surrounding conservatism stems partly from confusion over definitions and measures of accounting conservatism. This paper aims to address several common misconceptions about accounting conservatism and suggests directions for future research.

Suggested Citation

  • Yuying Xie, 2015. "Confusion over Accounting Conservatism: A Critical Review," Australian Accounting Review, CPA Australia, vol. 25(2), pages 204-216, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:ausact:v:25:y:2015:i:2:p:204-216
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    3. Dafydd Mali & Hyoung‐joo Lim, 2018. "Conservative Reporting and the Incremental Effect of Mandatory Audit Firm Rotation Policy: A Comparative Analysis of Audit Partner Rotation vs Audit Firm Rotation in South Korea," Australian Accounting Review, CPA Australia, vol. 28(3), pages 446-463, September.
    4. Liu, Sun, 2019. "The impact of ownership structure on conditional and unconditional conservatism in China: Some new evidence," Journal of International Accounting, Auditing and Taxation, Elsevier, vol. 34(C), pages 49-68.
    5. Le, Tuan Bach & Pavelkova, Drahomira & Do, Thi Thanh Nhan & Ngo, Minh Vu, 2017. "Does foreign ownership impact accounting conservatism adoption in Vietnam?," Business and Economic Horizons (BEH), Prague Development Center (PRADEC), vol. 13(3).
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    8. Adamu Pantamee Abdurrahman & Shafi Mohamad & Ooi Chee Keong & Syed Ehsanullah, 2020. "Debt Covenants and Accounting Conservatism," International Journal of Financial Research, International Journal of Financial Research, Sciedu Press, vol. 11(4), pages 537-545, July.
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