We use an experiment with experienced managers to provide more-direct evidence on how reporting goals and firm performance influence language choices. We find that bad news disclosures are less readable than good news, but only when managers have a stronger self-enhancement motive. Our results...

This paper examines the textual characteristics of firms' 10-K filings over a 20 year time period. We find that investors' reaction to textual characteristics of the MD&A in 10-Ks is much stronger and more timely than their reaction to textual characteristics of the notes to the financial...

This study examines the association between managerial ability and the readability of narrative disclosures in 10-K reports. Using a large US sample from 1994 to 2015, we find that managerial ability is significantly positively associated with the readability of narrative disclosures in 10-K...

This essay, part of a symposium on narrative in corporate law, considers various portrayals of the complicity of the SEC in the Bernard Madoff scandal - including the Commission's own Inspector General's report issued in September 2009. It considers possible explanations (revolving door...

This paper examines how earnings performance relates to firms' narrative R&D disclosure decisions. The unique nature of R&D investments and financial statements' limited ability to communicate the value of such investments highlight the role of narrative disclosure as a supplement to the...

This study empirically investigates whether independent directors on the remuneration committee influence narrative human capital disclosure (NAHCD) in firms where independent directors dominate the board composition. NAHCD is measured by frequency of occurrence, using latent content analysis in...