Determinants of Corporate Financial Disclosures: An Empirical Analysis of Family and Non-Family Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises

Abstract

Objectives. This paper aims to empirically investigate the determinants of corporate financial disclosure (CFD) and the possible associations between the extent of CFD and financial/non-financial variables.

Methodology. The study is among descriptive and correlational researches and using panel data methodology on sample of family and non-family SMEs listed on AIM Italia. The time under study was from 2006 to 2011. In addition, the hypotheses of the research have been tested analyzing the content of annual reports pertaining to each of Italian SMEs.

Findings. In general, the findings indicate that the agency and proprietary cost theories play a vital role in explaining the quantity of financial disclosure by Italian SMEs.

Research limits. Data used for this study need to be subjected to more statistical tests in order to establish a more robust validity and reliability. It is necessary to acquire further strengthened data and assume a variety of conditional situations. It is expected that subsequent studies can use larger samples and diversified by sector, a broader geographic base and a multi-faceted analyses.

Practical implications. The results of this study could assist Italian SMEs and bankers in integrating CFD in their corporate strategies and help the local and international business communities in understanding the characteristics of CFD in Italy.

Originality of the study. The study is the first attempt to understand practice by which family and non-family SMEs communicate their financial disclosure to different stakeholders.

Keywords: CFD, Family business, SME, Agency cost, Financial crisis, Stakeholder perspective