Voluntary disclosure research: which theory is relevant?

Article

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

Voluntary disclosure research: which theory is relevant?

ERA Journal ID42149
Article CategoryArticle
AuthorsCotter, Julie (Author), Lokman, Norziana (Author) and Najah, Muftah M. (Author)
EditorsHaber, Jeffry
Journal TitleThe Journal of Theoretical Accounting Research
Journal Citation6 (2), pp. 77-95
Number of Pages19
Year2011
Place of PublicationNew Rochelle, NY, USA
ISSN1556-5106
Web Address (URL)http://jtar.org/
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.

Keywordsdisclosure; theory; socio-political; signalling; agency; voluntary disclosure
ANZSRC Field of Research 2020500102. Business ethics
350101. Accounting theory and standards
350107. Sustainability accounting and reporting
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Byline AffiliationsAustralian Centre for Sustainable Business and Development
Institution of OriginUniversity of Southern Queensland
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