Differential Impacts of Discretionary Accrual Directions on Accounting Conservatism

Purpose: While there has been extensive research on discretionary accruals (hereafter, ‘DA’) and accounting conservatism, interpretations have varied among researchers depending on how discretionary accruals are determined as proxies. This study investigates the relationship between discretionary accruals (DA) and accounting conservatism, focusing on the distinctions between signed DA and absolute DA. Research design, data and methodology: Using financial data from companies listed on the KOSPI and KOSDAQ markets from 2010 to 2020, we employ regression analysis to explore how signed and absolute DA impact accounting conservatism. This approach allows us to parse out the effects of positive versus negative discretionary accruals systematically. Results: Our findings indicate a divergent impact of DA on accounting conservatism. Specifically, in cases of negative DA, an increase in DA corresponds with heightened accounting conservatism. Conversely, when DA is positive, increases in DA do not exhibit a significant relationship with changes in accounting conservatism. These effects suggest that the nature of DA—whether it represents upward or downward earnings adjustments—critically influences its relationship with conservatism. Conclusions: The results elucidate the nuanced role of discretionary accruals in influencing accounting conservatism. The decrease in accounting conservatism associated with absolute increases in DA appears primarily driven by groups with downward earnings adjustments. This suggests that as negative DA diminishes toward zero, accounting conservatism intensifies, whereas positive DA does not have a parallel effect.