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Does better firm information disclosure enhance institutional blockholder monitoring on information asymmetry? Evidence from 10-K readability

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  • Choi, Wonseok
  • Chung, Chune Young

Abstract

Using the Plain Writing Act of October 2010 as a source of exogenous variation in 10-K readability, we examine whether improvements in 10-K reports enhance institutional investor monitoring of firms' information environments. This study reveals that the negative association between institutional monitoring and information asymmetry is more robust when firms provide 10-K reports with enhanced readability. Since the implementation of the Act, the impact of improved readability on the relationship between institutional monitoring and information asymmetry has become increasingly pronounced. This finding confirms our hypothesis that improved readability provides better firm information for institutional investor monitoring of firms, thus decreasing information asymmetry.

Suggested Citation

  • Choi, Wonseok & Chung, Chune Young, 2023. "Does better firm information disclosure enhance institutional blockholder monitoring on information asymmetry? Evidence from 10-K readability," International Review of Financial Analysis, Elsevier, vol. 90(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:finana:v:90:y:2023:i:c:s1057521923004155
    DOI: 10.1016/j.irfa.2023.102899
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    10-K report readability; Institutional monitoring; Information asymmetry; Plain writing act;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • G32 - Financial Economics - - Corporate Finance and Governance - - - Financing Policy; Financial Risk and Risk Management; Capital and Ownership Structure; Value of Firms; Goodwill
    • G34 - Financial Economics - - Corporate Finance and Governance - - - Mergers; Acquisitions; Restructuring; Corporate Governance
    • M40 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Accounting - - - General

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