Voluntary disclosure research: which theory is relevant?

Cotter, Julie and Lokman, Norziana and Najah, Muftah M. (2011) Voluntary disclosure research: which theory is relevant? Journal of Theoretical Accounting Research, 6 (2). pp. 77-95. ISSN 1556-5106

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Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to overview the most popular theories that have been used in prior research to explain voluntary corporate disclosures and to provide guidance about the choice of a suitable theory or theories for different types of voluntary disclosure research. It presents a comprehensive comparison of voluntary disclosure theories and relates each of the theories to the type of information disclosure being examined. Following prior research, we classify disclosures into strategic and forward looking, financial, and non-financial information. We show that similarities and differences between theories stem from underlying paradigm differences which are related to incentives to disclose and the costs and benefits considered by each theory. The choice of a suitable theory to underpin the research depends on the type of information disclosure being examined and the external parties considered.

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Item Type:	Article (Commonwealth Reporting Category C)
Refereed:	Yes
Item Status:	Live Archive
Additional Information:	Copyright of Journal of Theoretical Accounting Research is the property of Journal of Theoretical Accounting Research and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use.
Depositing User:	Prof. Julie Cotter
Faculty / Department / School:	Historic - Faculty of Business and Law - School of Accounting, Economics and Finance
Date Deposited:	21 May 2011 02:56
Last Modified:	03 Jul 2013 00:36
Uncontrolled Keywords:	disclosure; theory; socio-political; signalling; agency; voluntary disclosure
Fields of Research :	22 Philosophy and Religious Studies > 2201 Applied Ethics > 220102 Business Ethics 15 Commerce, Management, Tourism and Services > 1501 Accounting, Auditing and Accountability > 150101 Accounting Theory and Standards 15 Commerce, Management, Tourism and Services > 1501 Accounting, Auditing and Accountability > 150106 Sustainability Accounting and Reporting
Socio-Economic Objective:	E Expanding Knowledge > 97 Expanding Knowledge > 970115 Expanding Knowledge in Commerce, Management, Tourism and Services
URI:	http://eprints.usq.edu.au/id/eprint/18816

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