JAAF (Journal of Applied Accounting and Finance)
Vol 9, No 2 (2025): JAAF (Journal of Applied Accounting and Finance)

The effect of accrual-based and real-based earnings management on carbon emission disclosure

Maretha, Lavadhea Shafa (Unknown)
Ginting, Josep (Unknown)



Article Info

Publish Date
07 Oct 2025

Abstract

Amid increasing global attention to sustainability, carbon emission disclosure (CED) has emerged as a critical mechanism for enhancing corporate accountability. Yet, the reliability of CED can be undermined by earnings management practices that mask firms’ true performance. This study examines the influence of accrual-based and real-based earnings management that have the proxies as abnormal cash flows, production costs, and discretionary expenses on CED. Using panel data from energy, basic materials, transportation, and agriculture firms listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX) over the 2019–2023 period, the results reveal heterogeneous effects: abnormal cash flows and overproduction significantly reduce the extent of CED, whereas lower discretionary expenses are associated with greater disclosure. These findings advance the literature by illustrating how distinct earnings management strategies differentially shape corporate environmental transparency. Despite inherent limitations in measurement and market scope, the study contributes to sustainability reporting research in emerging markets and offers practical insights for regulators and stakeholders aiming to strengthen the credibility of environmental disclosures.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

JAAF

Publisher

Subject

Economics, Econometrics & Finance

Description

JAAF Journal of Applied Accounting and Finance is a biannual double blind peer reviewed journal published in two period, March and September. This professional journal devoted to the development of accounting and financial disciplines both in theory and practice. The policy of the journal is to ...