Accounting Executives Narcissism: A Review and Research Agenda Using Content Analysis

Abstract

Purpose of the study: This study aims to provide a conceptual framework and construction of executive narcissism (CEO) through content analysis of 52 reputable international journals of Scopus indexed (Q1). The aims also to explore valuable content and themes related to narcissistic accounting and reveal further research opportunities for important themes generated.
 Methodology: The articles were analyzed using the search method and remote text in the Airlangga library database. The study was conducted for a month among articles in Scopus Journal indexed in Q1 with "Accounting" and "Narcissism" as the keyword restriction. The study was conducted with a Word Frequency analysis using NVivo 12 plus to determine the coding and the central theme.
 Main Findings: A comparison coding was performed to prove the upper echelon theory as the leading theory used in the 52 articles analyzed. Information relating to the year the article was published, article title, author's name, and journal publication successfully collected. From 52 articles analyzed in the framework of narcissistic accounting, 24 codes were successfully revealed and subsequently categorized into several themes (keywords) for further research.
 Applications of this study: A literature review of 52 articles is closely related to ethical concepts and CEO decisions in choosing accounting choices (policies).
 Novelty/Originality of this study: New themes successfully revealed through content analysis.

Executives' narcissism and decision making: reviewing 20 years of accounting literature

“…The basic proposition of the theory is supported by empirical findings (Dejong and Ling, 2013; Plöckinger et al. , 2016; Utama et al. , 2020).…”

“…Ever since the original theory was first introduced in 1984, an extensive number of empirical research analyzed the relationship between executives' characteristics and strategic choices. The basic proposition of the theory is supported by empirical findings (Dejong and Ling, 2013;Pl€ ockinger et al, 2016;Utama et al, 2020). In financial reporting, empirical findings support upper echelon theory as they provide evidence that financial reporting information reflects upon top executives' characteristics (Pl€ ockinger et al, 2016).…”

“…Using an experimental approach, Murphy (2012) studies more than 200 participant using questionnaires that assess personal inclinations and finds that those who show higher attitude towards misreporting, are more likely to misreport and they tend to feel less guilty about it. A review on accounting executives narcissism provides that highly narcissistic executives think of themselves as leaders, using their discretion and knowledge of accounting procedures to protect themselves and the company (Utama et al, 2020). The concept of narcissism is easily confused with overconfidence; hence, some argue that it does not necessarily have a negative influence on performance outcomes.…”

“…Within the same context and to better understand how individual's psychological attributes affect their decisions, Utama et al (2020) performed a content analysis of 52 articles with narcissism as the main theme as one of different personality traits that affect the decisionmaking process. The purpose was to understand how executives' personalities can influence their decisions.…”