Drawing on prior theoretical and empirical research examining corporate governance mechanisms, this study empirically explores the effects of institutional and government ownership on the performance of firms listed on the Kuwait Stock Exchange (KSE). Both a market-based measure (Tobin’s Q) and an accounting-based measure (ROA) are used to measures firm performance. Based on a sample of 134 firms listed on the KSE in the year 2010, regression analysis results show a positive relationship between institutional investors and KSE firm performance, suggesting the powerful and influential role institutional investors play as a corporate governance mechanism. In contrast, a negative relationship is observed between government ownership and KSE firm performance, implying worse market performance when government ownership exists. The findings imply that different types of ownership structures have different affects on firm performance. Some ownership structures enhance performance while others worsen performance

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Motivated by the lack of research on the value relevance of accounting information in emerging markets and the unique institutional setting in Kuwait, the objective of this study is to examine the value relevance of accounting earnings and book value information produced by Kuwait Stock Exchange (KSE)-listed firms during the 1995-2006 period empirically by using two valuation models - price and returns models. The results of both models show that earnings and book value were, jointly and individually, positively and significantly related to stock price and stock returns. Interestingly, the value relevance of earnings and book value of KSE-listed firms were found to be higher than the findings observed in some developed and emerging countries. This finding could be attributed partially to the fairly limited sources of credible and useful competing information available to market participants and the lack of alternative sources of information about prospects. An important implication of this finding is that the KSE needs to develop its information environment further to become more efficient in offering a free exchange of information about companies listed on its exchange.

The purpose of this study is to evaluate both the segment disclosure practice of firms listed on the Kuwait Stock Exchange (KSE) and the factors that influence their level of segment disclosures. Consistent with prior disclosure research, the level of segment disclosure is examined using a disclosure index based on the mandatory requirements of International Accounting Standard (IAS) 14 (Segment Reporting). The results show that the average level of segment disclosure in a sample of 123 KSE-listed firms in 2008 was 56%%, ranging from 18% to 94%. Users of KSE-listed firms financial statements might reasonably expect greater segment disclosures from larger, older, highly leveraged, and profitable KSE-listed firms, as well as from firms audited by a Big-4 audit firm. The findings provide feedback to the regulatory and enforcement bodies in Kuwait on current segment disclosure practice among KSE-listed companies and the factors that influence the level of segment disclosures. The noticeable variation in the level of segment disclosure among listed firms suggests a need for further monitoring of the enforcement of required segment disclosure.

Purpose This study aims to explore the attributes of an effective accounting faculty from the student perspective. It also examines similarities and differences in the perceived importance of these attributes between bachelor’s and associate’s accounting degree students in two public higher education institutions in Kuwait, namely, Kuwait University (KU) and the Public Authority for Applied Education and Training (PAAET). Design/methodology/approach A questionnaire was developed to identify ideal accounting faculty attributes. It was administered to a sample of accounting students at the two institutions in the 2014-2015 academic year. Descriptive statistics were collected and independent samples t-tests were run. Findings The most highly ranked attributes related to instructor characteristics and class delivery. Significant differences were found between KU and PAAET students in the perceived importance of attributes. KU students ranked class preparation and delivery attributes significantly higher than PAAET students. In contrast, PAAET students ranked attributes related to instructor characteristics and evaluation methods significantly higher than KU students. Practical implications These findings provide an insight into the attributes of an effective accounting faculty from the students’ perspective. A direct implication is that accounting faculty can incorporate the most important attributes into their course design and delivery. This may improve teaching effectiveness and ultimately student learning. Originality/value This research is timely because the College of Business Studies at PAAET has applied for accreditation with the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs. As teaching effectiveness is a major consideration in the process, these findings may help it to enhance its performance and improve the chances of its accreditation application being successful. The study bridges a gap in the literature on teaching effectiveness because there appears very little, if any, research into the attributes of effective accounting teaching.