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Follow the Leader: Cross-Industry Herding in Earnings Management

GLOBAL BUSINESS & FINANCE REVIEW 2014 Vol. 19, No. 1
2014.6, pp. 21-32 (12pages)
DOI : Http://dx.doi.org/10.17549/gbfr.2014.19.1.21
Publisher : People & Global Business Association
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Abstract

We employ Vector Autoregressions and quarterly financial statement data to explicitly test for both own- and cross-in- dustry earnings management \"spillovers\". We find that earnings management behavior can transmit from one industry to another, similar industry. Further, we find an indirect, information-based channel whereby earnings management in- formation may reach less-related industries with a lag of about six months. These results provide initial evidence that managers within similar industries \"herd\" in their discretionary accrual strategies. That is, earnings management in one sub-industry classification provides an informative signal to other industries. Others, then, follow suit by adopting like strategies either for competitive parity or purely wealth-maximizing purposes. In addition, we find that earnings manage- ment is persistent and does not mean-revert. Thus, earnings management can have long-term permanent impacts on a firm and its financial statements. This paper presents both methodological and policy implications for the academic ac- counting literature.
  • Keywords : Earnings Management, Accrual Strategy