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Internal control and internal capital allocation: evidence from internal capital markets of multi-segment firms

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  • Ranjan D’Mello

    (Wayne State University)

  • Xinghua Gao

    (Governors State University)

  • Yonghong Jia

    (Iowa State University)

Abstract

We investigate the impact of internal control over financial reporting on management decisions in directing corporate resources to alternative investment projects in multi-segment firms. Results from cross-sectional and inter-temporal analyses indicate that internal control weaknesses (ICWs) are associated with distortionary internal capital allocations. The adverse impact on internal capital markets is more pronounced for firms with company-level ICWs. Our analyses also show that firms with weak existing governance mechanisms benefit more from maintaining effective internal control. We further document that the negative impact of ICWs on firms’ internal capital transfers manifests in a lower excess value of diversification.

Suggested Citation

  • Ranjan D’Mello & Xinghua Gao & Yonghong Jia, 2017. "Internal control and internal capital allocation: evidence from internal capital markets of multi-segment firms," Review of Accounting Studies, Springer, vol. 22(1), pages 251-287, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:reaccs:v:22:y:2017:i:1:d:10.1007_s11142-016-9377-8
    DOI: 10.1007/s11142-016-9377-8
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    Cited by:

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    3. Shih-Chu Chou & Ramachandran Natarajan & Kenneth Zheng, 2022. "Conglomerate internal informational advantage and resource allocation efficiency," Review of Quantitative Finance and Accounting, Springer, vol. 59(2), pages 717-748, August.
    4. Wang, Fangjun & Xu, Luying & Zhang, Junrui & Shu, Wei, 2018. "Political connections, internal control and firm value: Evidence from China's anti-corruption campaign," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 86(C), pages 53-67.
    5. Wunhong Su & Liuzhen Zhang & Chao Ge & Shuai Chen, 2022. "Association between Internal Control and Sustainability: A Literature Review Based on the SOX Act Framework," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(15), pages 1-30, August.
    6. Liangcheng Wang & Yining Dai & Yuye Ding, 2019. "Internal Control and SMEs’ Sustainable Growth: The Moderating Role of Multiple Large Shareholders," JRFM, MDPI, vol. 12(4), pages 1-14, December.
    7. Ahrum Choi & Woo‐Jong Lee & Yong Gyu Lee & Gaoguang Zhou, 2023. "Internal Information Quality and Corporate Employment Decisions," Australian Accounting Review, CPA Australia, vol. 33(3), pages 262-283, September.

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