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Discretionary Accruals: The Measurement Error Induced By Conservatism

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  • José A. C. Moreira

    (Faculdade de Economia da Universidade do Porto. CETE - Centro de Estudos de Economia Industrial, do Trabalho e da Empresa)

Abstract

This paper discusses the sign of the expected measurement error in discretionary accruals (DAC) estimates when accrual models do not control for the asymmetric treatment of gains and losses underlying conservatism. I show that DAC in firms with “bad news” are expected to be understated (positive measurement error), while those in “good news” firms will be overstated (negative measurement error). Based on this original result, and using graphical analysis, I discuss an empirical illustration, which corroborates the expectations.

Suggested Citation

  • José A. C. Moreira, 2006. "Discretionary Accruals: The Measurement Error Induced By Conservatism," Portuguese Journal of Management Studies, ISEG, Universidade de Lisboa, vol. 0(2), pages 115-125.
    • Handle: RePEc:pjm:journl:v:xi:y:2006:i:2:p:115-125
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Jones, Jj, 1991. "Earnings Management During Import Relief Investigations," Journal of Accounting Research, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 29(2), pages 193-228.
    2. K. Peasnell & P. Pope & S. Young, 2000. "Detecting earnings management using cross-sectional abnormal accruals models," Accounting and Business Research, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 30(4), pages 313-326.
    3. Healy, P, 1996. "Discussion of a market-based evaluation of discretionary accrual models," Journal of Accounting Research, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 34, pages 107-115.
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    5. Steven Young, 1999. "Systematic Measurement Error in the Estimation of Discretionary Accruals: An Evaluation of Alternative Modelling Procedures," Journal of Business Finance & Accounting, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 26(7‐8), pages 833-862, September.
    6. Guay, WR & Kothari, SP & Watts, RL, 1996. "A market-based evaluation of discretionary accrual models," Journal of Accounting Research, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 34, pages 83-105.
    7. Thomas, Jacob & Zhang, Xiao-jun, 2000. "Identifying unexpected accruals: a comparison of current approaches," Journal of Accounting and Public Policy, Elsevier, vol. 19(4-5), pages 347-376.
    8. Pope, PF & Walker, M, 1999. "International differences in the timeliness, conservatism, and classification of earnings," Journal of Accounting Research, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 37, pages 53-87.
    9. Steven Young, 1999. "Systematic Measurement Error in the Estimation of Discretionary Accruals: An Evaluation of Alternative Modelling Procedures," Journal of Business Finance & Accounting, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 26(7&8), pages 833-862.
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    11. Guay, W. & Kothari, S.P. & Watts, R.L., 1996. "A Market-Based Evaluation of Discretionary-Accrual Models," Papers 96-01, Rochester, Business - Financial Research and Policy Studies.
    12. Basu, Sudipta, 1997. "The conservatism principle and the asymmetric timeliness of earnings," Journal of Accounting and Economics, Elsevier, vol. 24(1), pages 3-37, December.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    accruals; accrual models; earnings management;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • M41 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Accounting - - - Accounting
    • C2 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Single Equation Models; Single Variables

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