Impact of Managerial Ability on the Quality of Accounting Information Disclosure: Empirical Evidence From China

Abstract

Given the frequent occurrence of accounting fraud and the increasing importance of managerial ability, in order to promote the disclosure of high-quality accounting information by listed companies and enhance the confidence of investors and the public, taking A-share listed companies in the ShenZhen Stock Exchange of China as research samples from 2015 to 2022, we analyze the impact of managerial ability on accounting information disclosure quality (AIDQ) in terms of “governance effect” and “reputation effect,” and explore the role played by internal control effectiveness and equity structure characteristics. The research results show that the stronger the managerial ability, the higher AIDQ. Internal control effectiveness partially mediates the relationship between managerial ability and AIDQ. Further research finds that managerial ability promotes AIDQ more significantly in non-state-owned firms, firms with controlling shareholders’ equity pledges, and firms with high equity concentration. This study reveals the micro-influence path of managerial ability in promoting accounting disclosure and provides empirical evidence for improving AIDQ in listed companies.