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Institutional investor networks and earnings management: The role of the exit threat

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  • Li, Jie
  • Zhang, Yuzhao
  • Zhang, Yongjie
  • Xiong, Xiong

Abstract

This study examines the potential of institutional investor networks in mitigating horizontal agency conflicts, addressing the gap in the regulatory role of institutional investors in concentrated equity markets. Using data on Chinese listed companies from 2007 to 2020, we employ the multiplex network method to investigate the impact of institutional investor networks on earnings management. Our findings reveal a significant negative correlation between institutional investor networks and earnings management. The mechanism analysis indicates that institutional investor networks primarily exert governance through the exit threat rather than through direct intervention and information dissemination. Collectively, our findings elucidate the important role of institutional investors in corporate governance and promote the application of multiplex network theory to the financial field.

Suggested Citation

  • Li, Jie & Zhang, Yuzhao & Zhang, Yongjie & Xiong, Xiong, 2024. "Institutional investor networks and earnings management: The role of the exit threat," Economic Modelling, Elsevier, vol. 141(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:ecmode:v:141:y:2024:i:c:s0264999324002608
    DOI: 10.1016/j.econmod.2024.106903
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Institutional investor networks; Earnings management; Exit threat; Multiplex network;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • G30 - Financial Economics - - Corporate Finance and Governance - - - General
    • G32 - Financial Economics - - Corporate Finance and Governance - - - Financing Policy; Financial Risk and Risk Management; Capital and Ownership Structure; Value of Firms; Goodwill
    • D82 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty - - - Asymmetric and Private Information; Mechanism Design

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