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Do financing constraints affect the financial integrity of firms?

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  • Mertzanis, Charilaos
  • Marashdeh, Hazem
  • Houcine, Asma

Abstract

We use micro-survey data from 126,309 private non-financial firms in 138 developing nations during the period of 2006–2018 to investigate how financing constraints affect the integrity of their financial information. Our findings indicate that private firms with greater financing constraints are less inclined to undergo external audits voluntarily. This effect varies depending on factors such as firm size, business sector, ownership structure, accounting and auditing conditions, as well as the prevailing institutional environment. Our results remain robust even after subjecting them to various sensitivity and endogeneity tests. They suggest that financially constrained firms in developing countries may have stronger motivations to manipulate earnings, employ aggressive tax avoidance strategies, or be susceptible to managerial short-sightedness. Additionally, it is possible that finance providers rely on alternative mechanisms rather than audited accounts to monitor firm performance.

Suggested Citation

  • Mertzanis, Charilaos & Marashdeh, Hazem & Houcine, Asma, 2024. "Do financing constraints affect the financial integrity of firms?," International Review of Economics & Finance, Elsevier, vol. 90(C), pages 220-240.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:reveco:v:90:y:2024:i:c:p:220-240
    DOI: 10.1016/j.iref.2023.12.004
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Financial integrity; Financing constraints; Institutions; Developing countries;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C23 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Single Equation Models; Single Variables - - - Models with Panel Data; Spatio-temporal Models
    • E22 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Consumption, Saving, Production, Employment, and Investment - - - Investment; Capital; Intangible Capital; Capacity
    • G30 - Financial Economics - - Corporate Finance and Governance - - - General
    • O16 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Financial Markets; Saving and Capital Investment; Corporate Finance and Governance

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