Janice A. Loftus

The Role of Current and Non-Current Accruals in the Relation between Stock Returns and Earnings

This study examines the role of accruals in the relation between stock returns and earnings for intervals of one to four years. We argue that the roles of current and non-current accruals differ because the former turn over more frequently while the latter include long term timing differences and permanent differences. Accordingly, the roles of both categories of accruals are examined over intervals within and beyond the cycle of current accruals. The results suggest that accruals strengthen the association between stock returns and earnings and that they are more important for shorter intervals. Further, non-current accruals play a dominant role in the relation between stock returns and earnings while the effect of current accruals is negligible for all intervals examined.

Post-Asian financial crisis reforms: an emerging new embedded-relational governance model

The late 1980s and early 1990s saw rapid economic growth and subjugation of social policy and environmental concerns, as development was driven through the corporate and financial sectors in East and Southeast Asian economies, fuelled by free market reforms as societies edged towards neo-liberalism. The Asian financial crisis was the catalyst for the emergence of a new embedded-relational governance model, which emphasises the social and environmental dimensions of the welfare state, while relying on decentralised civil society initiatives and business self-regulation in implementing corporate social responsibility. This study focuses on corporate governance and financial system reforms introduced in the aftermath of the Asian financial crisis.

Does environmental reporting reflect environmental performance

Purpose – The purpose of this study is to evaluate the environmental disclosure practices of firms engaged in environmentally sensitive industries by examining their association with environmental performance. Design/methodology/approach – The study tests for associations between environmental performance and the level and nature of environmental disclosures by listed Chinese firms operating in industries that have been identified by a regulator as environmentally sensitive. The level of environmental disclosure is measured using a disclosure index based on the global reporting initiative. The nature of environmental disclosure is measured as the ratio of hard to total disclosure items. Findings – Firms with more favourable environmental performance provide a higher level of environmental disclosure and include a greater proportion of hard disclosure items. However, the overall level of disclosure is lower than that observed in developed countries. Research limitations/implications – Due to data constrain...