Abstract
Our analysis, centered on A-share listed companies in China from
2007 to 2016, identified a negative correlation between China's marketization
index and discretionary accruals. In regions characterized by strong
traditional cultural influences, the presence of female directors and female
top executives was found to be negatively associated with discretionary
accruals. Further analysis revealed that China's marketization index could
amplify this negative correlation, thereby enhancing corporate earnings quality.
Conversely, the presence of female independent directors exhibited a positive
correlation with discretionary accruals, a relationship that remained
unaffected by the marketization index. In regions with weaker traditional
cultural influence, the presence of female directors, female top executives,
and female independent directors all demonstrated negative correlations with
discretionary accruals. Notably, the marketization index influenced only the
presence of female top executives in these regions, reinforcing the negative
correlation and ultimately contributing to improved corporate earnings quality.
JEL classification numbers: D24, E58, G24.
Keywords: Chairperson or CEO, Ancient Traditional Culture,
Marketization Index, Discretionary Accruals, Earning Quality.