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Transparency, financial accounting information, and corporate governance

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  • Robert M. Bushman
  • Abbie Smith

Abstract

Audited financial statements along with supporting disclosures form the foundation of the firm-specific information set available to investors and regulators. In this article, the authors discuss economics-based research focused on the properties of accounting systems and the surrounding institutional environment important to effective governance of firms. They provide a framework for understanding the operation of accounting information in an economy, discuss a broad range of important research findings, present a conceptual framework for characterizing and measuring corporate transparency at the country level, and isolate a number of future research possibilities.

Suggested Citation

  • Robert M. Bushman & Abbie Smith, 2003. "Transparency, financial accounting information, and corporate governance," Economic Policy Review, Federal Reserve Bank of New York, vol. 9(Apr), pages 65-87.
  • Handle: RePEc:fip:fednep:y:2003:i:apr:p:65-87:n:v.9no.1
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    4. Christine A. Botosan, 2000. "Evidence That Greater Disclosure Lowers The Cost Of Equity Capital," Journal of Applied Corporate Finance, Morgan Stanley, vol. 12(4), pages 60-69, January.
    5. Bushman, Robert M. & Indjejikian, Raffi J. & Smith, Abbie, 1996. "CEO compensation: The role of individual performance evaluation," Journal of Accounting and Economics, Elsevier, vol. 21(2), pages 161-193, April.
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