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Uncertainty of uncertainty and accounting conservatism

Author

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  • Cui, Xin
  • Ma, Tingting
  • Xie, Xiaochen
  • Goodell, John W.

Abstract

We investigate the impact of uncertainty of uncertainty (UOU) on corporate accounting conservatism, finding a positive association. Mechanism analysis suggests that under UOU, creditor demands for real information drives shifts toward accounting conservatism. Further analysis shows that the impact of UOU is more salient in non-SOEs, and firms with weak external monitoring mechanisms. Our study highlights that under uncertainty about levels of uncertainty, contract demand plays a significant role in corporate governance.

Suggested Citation

  • Cui, Xin & Ma, Tingting & Xie, Xiaochen & Goodell, John W., 2023. "Uncertainty of uncertainty and accounting conservatism," Finance Research Letters, Elsevier, vol. 52(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:finlet:v:52:y:2023:i:c:s1544612322007012
    DOI: 10.1016/j.frl.2022.103525
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    Cited by:

    1. Yu, Zhen & Luo, Juncheng & Fan, Jinqi, 2024. "Bank loan approval standards and firms’ accounting conservatism: Evidence from China," Research in International Business and Finance, Elsevier, vol. 67(PB).
    2. Hu, Jing & Zhong, Lejia & Qiao, Jingyuan, 2024. "Equity pledge and debt financing of listed companies," Finance Research Letters, Elsevier, vol. 59(C).

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Uncertainty of uncertainty; Accounting conservatism; Contract demand;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • E32 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Prices, Business Fluctuations, and Cycles - - - Business Fluctuations; Cycles
    • G34 - Financial Economics - - Corporate Finance and Governance - - - Mergers; Acquisitions; Restructuring; Corporate Governance
    • M41 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Accounting - - - Accounting

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