Meta-analysis of Debt Ratios and Earning Management in Iran

Numerous articles with contradictory results have been published about of debt ratios with earnings management. This research was conducted by using meta-analysis method in response to these contradictions. The purpose of this study was to quantitatively evaluate the results of previous studies in the field of variable debt ratios on earning management in Iran. CMA2 software was used to analyze the data. The research population includes all existing research on the relationship between debt ratios and Earning management and only variables in which Earning management is a dependent variable and contains 14 valid internal articles from 1382 to 1399. First, all the necessary information for meta-analysis was collected and reviewed by comprehensive meta-analysis software. Preliminary results showed that the debt ratio had a negative and significant relationship with real earnings management and no relationship with accruals earnings management. Due to the heterogeneity of the initial results, the debt ratio variable was re-analyzed by earnings management models. The secondary results of the study showed that the debt ratio has no significant relationship with discretionary accruals, the absolute value of discretionary accruals, However, it has a significant relationship with the working capital accruals, operating activity deviation, Abnormal optional cost, abnormal production cost and abnormal operating cash flow It has meaning. The findings of this study enrich the research literature in the field of earnings management and related factors and fill the gap of study.