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Scientific disclosure and corporate misconduct

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  • Zhao, Qifeng
  • Kong, Dongmin
  • Luo, Qianfeng

Abstract

This study examines the relationship between scientific disclosure and corporate misconduct. Through an analysis of comprehensive databases containing core journal publications and documented misconduct cases, we established a significant negative correlation between scientific disclosure and corporate misconduct. This association is particularly evident in firms with publications in English-language core journals. Our findings are corroborated by a series of rigorous robustness tests, including change analyses, instrumental variable estimation, Heckman's two-stage method, and the difference-in-differences approach. Moreover, our investigation into potential mechanisms reveals several pathways through which scientific disclosure may mitigate misconduct. These mechanisms include the attraction of high-quality talent, promotion of technological innovation, establishment of a positive reputation, acquisition of R&D subsidies, and deterrence of opportunistic corporate cultures. Ultimately, our results contribute to a more nuanced understanding of the role of corporate scientific disclosure in reducing misconduct and highlight the beneficial effects of corporate investment in scientific research.

Suggested Citation

  • Zhao, Qifeng & Kong, Dongmin & Luo, Qianfeng, 2024. "Scientific disclosure and corporate misconduct," Pacific-Basin Finance Journal, Elsevier, vol. 88(C).
  • Handle: RePEc:eee:pacfin:v:88:y:2024:i:c:s0927538x24002993
    DOI: 10.1016/j.pacfin.2024.102547
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Scientific disclosure; Corporate misconduct; Technological innovation; Human capital; Reputation effects;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • O31 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Innovation and Invention: Processes and Incentives
    • G34 - Financial Economics - - Corporate Finance and Governance - - - Mergers; Acquisitions; Restructuring; Corporate Governance
    • D22 - Microeconomics - - Production and Organizations - - - Firm Behavior: Empirical Analysis
    • M54 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Personnel Economics - - - Labor Management

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