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Journal of Accounting Research Vol. 54 No. 2 2016

Accounting Information in Financial Contracting: The Incomplete Contract Theory Perspective

Hans Bonde Christensen1; Valeri V. Nikolaev1; Regina Wittenberg-Moerman2

1 Booth School of Business The University of Chicago · 2 Marshall School of Business; The University of Southern California

Abstract

This paper reviews theoretical and empirical work on financial contracting that is relevant to accounting researchers. Its primary objective is to discuss how the use of accounting information in contracts enhances contracting efficiency and to suggest avenues for future research. We argue that incomplete contract theory broadens our understanding of both the role accounting information plays in contracting and the mechanisms through which efficiency gains are achieved. By discussing its rich theoretical implications, we expect incomplete contract theory to prove useful in motivating future research and in offering directions to advance our knowledge of how accounting information affects contract efficiency.

DOI
10.1111/1475-679x.12108
Volume
54
Issue
2
Pages
397-435
Language
en
Sources
openalex bibtex:phds-export.bib crossref

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