This study examines the effect of two potential sources of ethical principles on earnings quality: corporate social responsibility (CSR) and membership in a Shariah index. We define membership in a Shariah index as the adherence to an ethical code that relates to Islam. Our sample comprises firms in ten European Union countries for the period from 2003 to 2013. The empirical results show that firms with a high degree of CSR are less likely to manage earnings. In contrast, membership in a Shariah index leads to earnings manipulation. Our results are robust after using several alternative quality metrics for earnings. Furthermore, our empirical results indicate that highly rated CSR firms that are not Shariah-compliant are less likely to engage in earnings manipulation. Further, institutional factors are also important in determining the link between CSR, Shariah-compliance, and the quality of financial reporting.

Purpose This study aims to investigate the effect of financial-tax reporting conformity jurisdictions on the association between corporate social responsibility (CSR) and aggressive tax avoidance. Design/methodology/approach Using a sample comprising firms domiciled in Europe for the period 2008–2016, this study uses regression analysis to test the impact of financial-tax reporting conformity jurisdictions on the association between CSR and aggressive tax avoidance. Findings The empirical results show that there is a positive association between CSR and tax avoidance, and firms headquartered in low financial-tax reporting conformity jurisdictions are more likely to engage in CSR to hedge against the potential negative consequences of aggressive tax-avoidance practices as compared to firms domiciled in countries with high level of financial-tax reporting conformity. Practical implications This study confirms Sikka’s (2010, 2013) view of “organised hypocrisy” act committed by firms to cover their socially irresponsible activities of aggressive tax avoidance by engaging in CSR. Results have implication for various regulatory bodies and investors in that the type of financial-tax conformity does impact the link between CSR and tax avoidance, and based on that, CSR firms may engage in CSR to overcome any negative reactions that could be caused as a result of tax avoidance. Originality/value To the best of the author’s knowledge, this study is the first to investigate the impact of financial-tax reporting conformity jurisdictions on the association between CSR and aggressive tax avoidance. This study also contributes to the literature in that, it uses an alternative data set which offers a more objective assessment of CSR measure and covers multiple countries.

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Psoriasis is a chronic skin disorder with various morphology, distribution, severity, and course of disease. The goal of the management is to control disease activity to a level that allows a sufficient quality of life with minimal toxicity from the treatment itself. Unfortunately, 25% of patients suffering from psoriasis experience major psychological distress. Its chronic nature with associated comorbidities has a negative impact on quality of life. We conducted this review using a comprehensive search of MEDLINE, PubMed and EMBASE from January 1996 to March 2017. The following search terms were used: psoriasis, pathogenesis of psoriasis, psoriasis management, quality of life in psoriasis patients. We tried to study the pathogenesis, and management of psoriasis, and understand its effect on the quality of life of patients. Due to the chronic nature and its obvious visibility on skin, many patients suffer from major psychological adverse effects. In majority of the time the health care providers fail to recognize or treat such comorbidities. Healthcare providers must be educated to provide patients with ways to tackle issues with multiple aspects, including psychological, in the management plan for better results.