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The impact of air pollution on financial reporting quality: evidence from China

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  • Nan Hu
  • Xingnan Xue
  • Ling Liu

Abstract

In this study, we investigate whether the unpleasant mood of managers caused by air pollution leads to poorer decision‐making quality. Using a sample of 9,282 firm‐year observations from 2014 to 2017 in China, we show that (i) the mood of managers becomes more negative as air quality decreases; and (ii) there is a negative relation between air pollution and financial reporting quality. Furthermore, this association is stronger for firms with (i) weaker corporate governance; and (ii) top management teams with a lower average age, fewer females and a lower average educational level. Our results hold through various robustness tests.

Suggested Citation

  • Nan Hu & Xingnan Xue & Ling Liu, 2022. "The impact of air pollution on financial reporting quality: evidence from China," Accounting and Finance, Accounting and Finance Association of Australia and New Zealand, vol. 62(3), pages 3609-3644, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:acctfi:v:62:y:2022:i:3:p:3609-3644
    DOI: 10.1111/acfi.12898
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    1. Yi Shen & Minghan Lyu & Jiali Zhu, 2022. "Air Pollution and Corporate Green Financial Constraints: Evidence from China’s Listed Companies," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(22), pages 1-23, November.

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