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Innovation, financial reporting quality, and audit quality

Author

Listed:
  • Gerald J. Lobo

    (University of Houston)

  • Yuan Xie

    (Fordham University)

  • Joseph H. Zhang

    (The University of Memphis)

Abstract

We examine the relation between innovation and financial reporting quality (FRQ) and the implications of audit quality for this relation. We first document a negative relation between innovation and FRQ. This result is consistent with greater earnings management at higher innovation firms, likely because of the more opaque information environment that gives managers the opportunity to act opportunistically. We then examine whether audit quality moderates the observed negative relation between innovation and FRQ because audit quality constrains managers’ opportunities to manage earnings. We find results consistent with the predicted moderating effect. Lastly, we verify that these findings hold in a difference-in-differences test designed around an exogenous event, state R&D tax credits.

Suggested Citation

  • Gerald J. Lobo & Yuan Xie & Joseph H. Zhang, 2018. "Innovation, financial reporting quality, and audit quality," Review of Quantitative Finance and Accounting, Springer, vol. 51(3), pages 719-749, October.
  • Handle: RePEc:kap:rqfnac:v:51:y:2018:i:3:d:10.1007_s11156-017-0686-1
    DOI: 10.1007/s11156-017-0686-1
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    Cited by:

    1. Khalifa, Mariem & Trabelsi, Samir & Matoussi, Hamadi, 2022. "Leverage, R&D expenditures, and accounting conservatism: Evidence from technology firms," The Quarterly Review of Economics and Finance, Elsevier, vol. 84(C), pages 285-304.
    2. Mahfuz Chy & Ole-Kristian Hope, 2021. "Real effects of auditor conservatism," Review of Accounting Studies, Springer, vol. 26(2), pages 730-771, June.
    3. Daniel Aobdia & Luminita Enache & Anup Srivastava, 2021. "Changes in Big N auditors’ client selection and retention strategies over time," Review of Quantitative Finance and Accounting, Springer, vol. 56(2), pages 715-754, February.
    4. Lin Tian & Liang Han & Biao Mi, 2020. "Bank competition, information specialization and innovation," Review of Quantitative Finance and Accounting, Springer, vol. 54(3), pages 1011-1035, April.
    5. Mihai Carp & Costel Istrate, 2021. "Audit Quality under Influences of Audit Firm and Auditee Characteristics: Evidence from the Romanian Regulated Market," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(12), pages 1-16, June.
    6. Hedy Jiaying Huang & Ahsan Habib & Sophia Li Sun & Ying Liu & Huiting Guo, 2021. "Financial reporting and corporate innovation: a review of the international literature," Accounting and Finance, Accounting and Finance Association of Australia and New Zealand, vol. 61(4), pages 5439-5499, December.
    7. Wuchun Chi & Chien-min Kevin Pan, 2022. "How do auditors respond to accounting restatements? Evidence on audit staff allocation," Review of Quantitative Finance and Accounting, Springer, vol. 58(2), pages 847-879, February.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Patent; Innovation; Financial reporting quality; Audit quality;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • M40 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Accounting - - - General
    • M41 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Accounting - - - Accounting
    • O31 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Innovation and Invention: Processes and Incentives

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