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Journal of Accounting and Economics Vol. 31 No. 1-3 2001

Empirical research on accounting choice

Thomas D. Fields1; Thomas Z. Lys2; Linda Vincent2

1 Harvard University · 2 Northwestern University

Abstract

We review research from the 1990s that examines the determinants and consequences of accounting choice, structuring our analysis around the three types of market imperfections that influence managers’ choices: agency costs, information asymmetries, and externalities affecting non-contracting parties. We conclude that research in the 1990s made limited progress in expanding our understanding of accounting choice because of limitations in research design and a focus on replication rather than extension of current knowledge. We discuss opportunities for future research, recommending the exploration of the economic implications of accounting choice by addressing the three different reasons why accounting matters.

DOI
10.1016/s0165-4101(01)00028-3
Volume
31
Issue
1-3
Pages
255-307
Language
en
Sources
bibtex:phds-export.bib openalex crossref

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