Linking Quality of Accounting Information System and Financial Reporting to Non-Financial Performance : The Role Women Managers

This study aims to analyse whether non-financial (NF) performance is influenced by accounting information system (AIS) quality and financial information (FI) quality/usefulness, and whether this influence increases in companies managed by women. Data of 381 Portuguese companies were subjected to a structural equations model analysis. The results show that (1) companies managed by women are those with the highest quality in terms of AIS and FI, (2) the quality of the FI determines its usefulness in decision-making process, and (3) quality and usefulness of the FI has a significant impact on NF performance. Within the framework of contingency theory, the research results provide empirical evidence that the NF performance of Portuguese firms is dependent of the presence of women in management, because they enhance the quality of financial reporting which is essential to the success of any organization. This research is relevant for accounting and management professionals, as it identifies the importance of quality financial reporting for the survivability and profitability of companies, as well as highlighting the importance of gender diversity in company’s management