Role of corporate governance in constraining earnings management practices: a study of select Indian and Chinese firms

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effect of corporate governance on both accrual-based and real earnings management practices in select firms of the two world's largest economies, i.e. India and China. Design/methodology/approach The study has implemented a feasible generalized least square regression (FGLS) method to analyse the effect of corporate governance on accrual-based and real earnings management. Findings The study exhibits the significant contribution of large board sizes and independent boards in constraining the use of both accruals as well as real earnings management practices. However, audit quality had an impact on accrual earnings management only. The study also documents that accrual earnings management practices are controlled when the government’s potential to develop and enactment of policies increases. Practical implications The findings of the study provide insights to analysts, prospective investors and regulators to evaluate the effectiveness of the board in a new issue firm and help the firm to enhance its corporate governance policies. Originality/value Unlike previous studies who mostly examined the impact of corporate governance factors on accrual earnings management, the present study has, first, considered both accruals as well as real earnings management. Second, the present study has used the unique sample of new issue firms listed on the Indian and Chinese stock market, and third, the study did an additional analysis to examine the impact of country-level governance factors on accrual earnings management.