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Can media deter management from manipulating earnings? Evidence from China

Author

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  • Baolei Qi
  • Rong Yang
  • Gaoliang Tian

Abstract

This study examines the influence of media exposure on managers’ earnings management behavior using China’s publicly traded firms during 2001–2009. We find that firms with more media exposure (both negative and non-negative) manage their earnings less than firms with less media exposure. We also find that “suspect firms” (being specially treated or with refinancing plans like seasoned equity offerings or right offerings) with more media exposure engage in more accrual-based earnings management relative to other firms. These results suggest that Chinese media serve as an external monitor to the majority of firms and place excessive pressure on suspect firms. This paper contributes incrementally to the literature by emphasizing the conflicting role media exposure plays in managerial decisions in earnings management. The findings of this study have practical implications for regulators, auditors, financial analysts, as well as other information intermediaries. Copyright Springer Science+Business Media New York 2014

Suggested Citation

  • Baolei Qi & Rong Yang & Gaoliang Tian, 2014. "Can media deter management from manipulating earnings? Evidence from China," Review of Quantitative Finance and Accounting, Springer, vol. 42(3), pages 571-597, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:kap:rqfnac:v:42:y:2014:i:3:p:571-597
    DOI: 10.1007/s11156-013-0353-0
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    Cited by:

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    2. Jeffrey Cohen & Yuan Ding & Cédric Lesage & Hervé Stolowy, 2017. "Media Bias and the Persistence of the Expectation Gap: An Analysis of Press Articles on Corporate Fraud," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 144(3), pages 637-659, September.
    3. Wang Dong & Hongling Han & Yun Ke & Kam C. Chan, 2018. "Social Trust and Corporate Misconduct: Evidence from China," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 151(2), pages 539-562, August.
    4. Zhou, Jingting & Li, Wanli & Yan, Ziqiao & Lyu, Huaili, 2021. "Controlling shareholder share pledging and stock price crash risk: Evidence from China," International Review of Financial Analysis, Elsevier, vol. 77(C).
    5. Zhaorui Guo & Kam C. Chan & Yunkui Xue, 2016. "The Impact of Corporate Culture Disclosure on Performance: A Quantitative Approach," Review of Pacific Basin Financial Markets and Policies (RPBFMP), World Scientific Publishing Co. Pte. Ltd., vol. 19(02), pages 1-29, June.
    6. Guo, Zhaorui & Chan, Kam C. & Huang, Jun, 2018. "Can media coverage restrain executive empire building and pursuit of a quiet life? Evidence from China," International Review of Economics & Finance, Elsevier, vol. 56(C), pages 547-563.
    7. Qiang Li & Tian Li & Hongtao Chen & Erwei Xiang & Wenjuan Ruan, 2019. "Executives' excess compensation, legitimacy, and environmental information disclosure in Chinese heavily polluting companies: The moderating role of media pressure," Corporate Social Responsibility and Environmental Management, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 26(1), pages 248-256, January.
    8. Chahine, Salim & Mansi, Sattar & Mazboudi, Mohamad, 2015. "Media news and earnings management prior to equity offerings," Journal of Corporate Finance, Elsevier, vol. 35(C), pages 177-195.
    9. Wang, Jiangyuan & Wang, Hua & Wang, Di, 2021. "Equity concentration and investment efficiency of energy companies in China: Evidence based on the shock of deregulation of QFIIs," Energy Economics, Elsevier, vol. 93(C).
    10. Tingting Zhang & Weiqiang Zeng & Ruohan Zhong & Yanxi Li, 2017. "Industry competition in China: an external governance mechanism or an external incentive," Asian-Pacific Economic Literature, The Crawford School, The Australian National University, vol. 31(2), pages 123-136, November.
    11. Khushboo Gulati & Seema Gupta & C. P. Gupta, 2020. "The Transformation of Governance System: A Decade Long Experience of Corporate Governance Using Meta-analysis," Global Journal of Flexible Systems Management, Springer;Global Institute of Flexible Systems Management, vol. 21(3), pages 233-262, September.
    12. Rongli Yuan & Yadong Han & Zhanliao Chen, 2023. "Multiple Large Shareholders and Financial Reporting Quality: Evidence from China," Abacus, Accounting Foundation, University of Sydney, vol. 59(1), pages 197-229, March.
    13. Yu Liu & Zuobao Wei & Feixue Xie, 2016. "CFO gender and earnings management: evidence from China," Review of Quantitative Finance and Accounting, Springer, vol. 46(4), pages 881-905, May.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Earnings management; Media exposure; Corporate governance; M40;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • M40 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Accounting - - - General

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