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The role of non-financial measures in controlling myopic activities: the case of hard selling

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  • Dhinu Srinivasan
  • Alex Thevaranjan

Abstract

Using a principal-agent framework, many analytical studies have examined the role of non-financial or additional performance measures in enhancing long-run efforts such as customer service. However, myopic activities that enhance short-term firm performance at the expense of long-term profitability are prevalent across industries (and perhaps nations). Accordingly, the purpose of this paper is to investigate when and how non-financial measures may be used to control such myopic activities. Specifically, we investigate the interaction between a myopic behaviour known as hard selling and a specific non-financial measure (customer satisfaction), often used to measure the customer irritation that results from hard selling. Prior studies suggest that non-financial measures are always a valuable addition because they increase the level of long-run efforts and decrease the (over) reliance on financial incentives. In contrast, we find that non-financial measures may not always be valuable in controlling myopic activities, and when valuable, they may either increase or decrease the reliance on a financial measure such as accounting earnings. In addition, the impact of non-financial measures on myopic activities varies widely, ranging from no impact at all to complete elimination. Overall, these insights enhance our understanding of the role of non-financial measures in controlling myopic activities, in contrast to enhancing long-run efforts.

Suggested Citation

  • Dhinu Srinivasan & Alex Thevaranjan, 2016. "The role of non-financial measures in controlling myopic activities: the case of hard selling," International Journal of Accounting, Auditing and Performance Evaluation, Inderscience Enterprises Ltd, vol. 12(2), pages 103-130.
    • Handle: RePEc:ids:ijaape:v:12:y:2016:i:2:p:103-130
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    References listed on IDEAS

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