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Can short selling improve internal control? An empirical study based on the difference‐in‐differences model

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  • Huili Chen
  • Ying Chen
  • Bin Lin
  • Yanchao Wang

Abstract

Based on pilot margin trading in China, this study examines how short selling affects internal control quality in listed firms. Using the difference‐in‐differences approach, we find that compared with control firms, firms that are eligible for short selling significantly improve their internal control after they are designated as underlying securities. We consider the effects of state ownership and external auditors. The improvement in internal control is only significant for non‐state‐owned firms and firms audited by non‐Big 4 auditors. These findings indicate that short selling can improve firms’ internal control and play a role in their corporate governance.

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  • Huili Chen & Ying Chen & Bin Lin & Yanchao Wang, 2019. "Can short selling improve internal control? An empirical study based on the difference‐in‐differences model," Accounting and Finance, Accounting and Finance Association of Australia and New Zealand, vol. 58(5), pages 1233-1259, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:acctfi:v:58:y:2019:i:5:p:1233-1259
    DOI: 10.1111/acfi.12456
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    Cited by:

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    2. Martina K. Linnenluecke & Mauricio Marrone & Abhay K. Singh, 2020. "Sixty years of Accounting & Finance: a bibliometric analysis of major research themes and contributions," Accounting and Finance, Accounting and Finance Association of Australia and New Zealand, vol. 60(4), pages 3217-3251, December.
    3. Jiafeng Gu, 2021. "Effects of Patent Policy on Outputs and Commercialization of Academic Patents in China: A Spatial Difference-in-Differences Analysis," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(23), pages 1-17, December.
    4. Gurmeet S. Bhabra & Harjeet S. Bhabra & Ashrafee T. Hossain, 2021. "Sarbanes‐Oxley Act and the acquisition of private targets," Accounting and Finance, Accounting and Finance Association of Australia and New Zealand, vol. 61(S1), pages 1457-1487, April.
    5. Meng, Qingbin & Huang, Haozheng & Li, Xinyu & Wang, Song, 2023. "Short-selling and corporate default risk: Evidence from China," International Review of Economics & Finance, Elsevier, vol. 87(C), pages 398-417.
    6. Sha, Yezhou & Shah, Syed Ghulam Meran & Sarfraz, Muddassar, 2023. "Short selling and SME irregular CEO succession: Witnessing the moderating role of earnings management," International Review of Economics & Finance, Elsevier, vol. 85(C), pages 163-173.
    7. Dunli Zhang & Ting Zhang & Guanghua Ma, 2020. "Can non‐executive equity incentives reduce internal control ineffectiveness? Evidence from China," Accounting and Finance, Accounting and Finance Association of Australia and New Zealand, vol. 60(5), pages 4467-4496, December.

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