The timeliness of accounting information in Brazilian family businesses

Abstract

The aim of this study was to analyze the timeliness of accounting information in Brazilian family businesses, and we chose a descriptive, documentary and quantitative research method for this purpose. The sample consisted of 124 companies, covering a period from 2010 to 2013. The results showed that earnings per share, overall company size and sales growth were significant variables in explaining returns on share price. In terms of timeliness, it was noted that accounting information was less timely in the case of family businesses when considering a long-term view of the return on share price (15 months). When a short-term view was considered (3 and 6 months), the accounting variables were not found to be significant, and it was not possible to confirm if family businesses had more or less timely information. The originality of this study lies in the fact that it investigates the effect of family management/control over the timeliness of financial reporting. This theme has not previously been investigated within the Brazilian scenario, and it addresses the quality of the accounting information of family businesses from a different perspective to that of other studies, which have opted to use accounting conservatism and earnings management.