Translation and validation of the Graham-Harvey survey for the Brazilian context

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to report on the systematic translation and content validation method used to produce the Brazilian Portuguese version of the Duke Special Survey on Corporate Policy by Graham and Harvey. Design/methodology/approach – In accordance with the requirements for cross-cultural application of surveys, the paper accounts for obvious differences in language, culture, and the institutional setting and employ well-known techniques from the field of psychology, such as the use of backtranslation, to ensure faithfulness to the original survey. A panel of experts served as judges in evaluating the clarity of language and the practical pertinence and theoretical dimensions of the questionnaire. Coefficients of content validity for each item and for the instrument as a whole are reported. Findings – The results illustrate how a questionnaire designed for one country should be rigorously translated and validated prior to use in another country. Research limitations/implications – Although the content validity of the translated version of the Duke Special Survey on Corporate Policy for use in Brazil is generally satisfactory, a few items may prove to be a challenge for the Brazilian CFO to answer, particularly those questions concerning features that are uncommon in the Brazilian financial market. Originality/value – This paper explores the field study method in finance by borrowing from the vast experience of psychology research in the rigorous translation and validation of survey instruments. This study also highlights the similarities and differences in the interpretation of questions between emerging and developed markets.