Accounting Practice Research: Agency, Stewardship, and Compensation

This report delves into research in accounting practices, focusing on the impact of agency theory, stewardship, and executive compensation on corporate performance and stakeholder relationships. The report begins with an analysis of financial disclosure practices in Sri Lankan companies, exploring the use of sampling methods and the importance of reliability and accuracy in research. It then examines the assumptions and implications of agency theory, including its influence on compensation packages and the challenges posed by excessive executive compensation. The report also considers alternative theories such as contract theory and stewardship theory, highlighting their strengths in addressing the deficiencies of agency theory. Finally, the report discusses the concept of stewardship in financial reporting and its evolving significance over time, including a review of the IASB/FASB guidelines and the changes in the importance of stewardship in financial reporting.

Accounting Practice 1
Research in accounting practice
By Student Name
Course Title
Professor
Name of the Institution
City and State
Date

Accounting Practice 2
Research in accounting practice
Introduction
This study focus on the issues affecting accounting practices in the contemporary business world.
Some of the issues being addressed are the applicability and validity of the agency theory, the
concept of stewardship as well as the executive compensation. The main focus is the impact of
the listed factors on the relationship of different stakeholders as well as the performance of
corporates. The paper is divided into three parts which each part addressing each factor listed
above.
Question 1: Articles Analysis (Mitra et al. (2017) and Kuruppu et al. (2015))
a) Table 3: Sri Lanka research
Besides disclosing their financial statements and reports in their online websites, the listed Sri-
Lankan Companies also disclose the information of their background and the products and
services they offer (Kuruppu, et al., 2015, p. 75). The information can be extracted from the
Table 3, panel A and B. The companies are much interested in increasing their market share,
customer base, and sales volume. The information on the products and services offered by the
companies are taking the lead on the general disclosure of information followed by background
details. The information explicit that companies are also interested in attracting more investors
hence the disclosure of their success story. Lastly, Panel B shows the disclosure of corporate
information on the online website is influenced by the level of competitiveness in the industry a
company is operating.

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b) Population and Sampling
The article by Mitra et al. (2017) used a sample of 268 Bangladesh companies while an article by
Kuruppu et al. (2015) on the disclosure of financial information on the online website used the
entire population of 244 listed companies. The use of sample and population in the research have
their respective advantages and disadvantages. Using the entire population in a research enhance
the reliability, accuracy, and credibility of the findings. Likewise, the technique ensures that the
vital data is not omitted hence minimizing biases (Mitra, et al., 2017, pp. 25-30). However,
application of the entire population is costly and time-consuming when collecting data. In the
other hand, sampling saves time, avoid work monotony, allow collection of accurate data in
lesser time, and ensure gathering detailed information. However, sampling is based on
researcher’s judgment. Important data might be omitted hence reducing the accuracy level.
Lastly, when improper sampling technique is selected, the whole research process is jeopardized.
c) The more appropriate approach
In studying the disclosure of financial information on the corporate online website, reliability,
accuracy, and credibility are fundamental. The researcher should collect detailed data within the
limited research budget, time and the schedule. The information collected should be inclusive to
minimize the omission of crucial data/ information. Based on these factors, the sampling method
should be used over the entire population. It increases reliability, credibility, and accuracy of
findings within the research schedule, time and cost (Zelenka, 2010, p. 43).

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Question 2: Agency theory, stewardship, and executive compensation
a) The assumptions of traditional (positive) agency theory
The agency theory addresses the existing conflicts of interests that arising from different parties
who have different conflicts on the same asset. Most conflict arising from shareholders
(principal) and the managers (agent) of a company. The theory is applied in solving the agency
problems as well as the tolerance risks that are likely to arise on the relationship between the
principals and agents (Higson, 2003, p. 67). The theory is based on three assumptions. First, the
managers (agents) should always act in the interest of the shareholders (principals). Second, the
interest of the principals is always morally acceptable. And third, the theory allows the managers
to act unethically as far as their contract is fulfilled. Finally, it should be noted that the
assumptions go contrary to the practical business ethics model. Therefore the agency theory
holds that the shareholders’ interests should overrule other interests (Higson, 2003, p. 73).
b) The influence of agency theory on the structuring of compensation packages
The agency theory can be used to align the divergent interests between the agents and the
principals. That is, with the application of the theory, the compensation plan can be used to align
the interests and goals of corporate’s stakeholders through the reduction of the agency costs
(Kleiman, 2000, p. 56).
Agency theory proposes two compensation plans i.e. the outcome-oriented (profit sharing,
commissions, and stock options) and behavioural-oriented (merit-oriented). According to the
outcome-oriented compensation, compensation increases (decreases) when the profit goes up
(goes down). Therefore, the agents would work hard to increase the profit leading to increased
compensation and in return maximization of the shareholders’ wealth. Likewise, behavioural

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compensation plan states that the principals should invest little funds to monitor the actions of
the agents (Henderson, 2003, p. 87). However, the operational risks are not transferred to the
agents but the compensation package is provided based on the least probable outcome of the
established objectives/ goals.
c) An employee’s attitude to risk and their desired compensation package
The risks associated with a certain job influence the desired compensation package by an
employee. Employees believe that riskier and more demanding jobs should have more pay
compared to the less demanding and riskier ones. The compensation packages have a direct
influence on an employee’s attitude and behaviour. If a compensation package is deemed to be
fair and good for the employees then they are motivated to increase their commitment to increase
the company productivity. Unless a good compensation plan is offered the employee’s turnover
is high because no one would enjoy working of the company (Milkovich, 2005, p. 38).
Compensation package helps in accomplishing a company’s goals as well as running effectively.
A compensation package not only entails salary and wages but the fulfillment of self-
actualization and psychological needs as well. Thus compensation package is meant to serve its
purpose: Offer fair compensation and positively influence the employees’ behaviours and
attitude towards the company (Henderson, 2003, p. 91).
d) Internal problems a company might face if executive compensation is viewed as excessive
Excessive executive compensation is likely to escalate the conflict between the shareholders and
the managers especially when the firm is performing poorly. The agency theory states that the
shareholders’ wealth should be maximized. However, managers expect to be offered good
compensation packages as an appreciation of their effect in maximizing the owners’ value. The

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shareholders might result to high compensation packages. However, during the hard economic
times, the shareholders might result into trimming the managers’ compensation packages. The
action would lead to a misunderstanding which would further affect the productivity and
effecting operation of the company (Henderson, 2003, p. 109).
Likewise, non-executive employees might also demand a pay increase. When the excess
compensation packages offered to the executive becomes public, other employees would feel
under-compensated. They are likely to be demotivated unless their earnings are increased.
Increased on the compensation packages would lead to increased expenses and reduced revenue.
In the other hand, if the demand for increased pay I declined, trade union would ask their
members to withdrawal their service until a mutual agreement is reached between them and the
employer (Milkovich, 2005, p. 93).
e) One assumption of agency theory and explain how it has been challenged
One assumption of the agency theory is that the managers (agents) should always act in the
interest of the shareholders (principals). The assumption holds that the owners’ value should be
maximized while the agents’ benefits minimized. However, the assumption is not realistic in the
contemporary business world. The divergent goals and interests held by different stakeholders
and the attitude towards operating risks make it difficult to accept the theory (Higson, 2003, p.
117).
For instance the assumption advocates for disregarding of agents’ opinion, disrespecting and
distrusting the agents, ignoring the ethical aspects of running the business and overlooking
solutions which are consistent with mutual needs of the principals and agents. For successful

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operation of an organization and resolution of the agency problems then the validity and
significance of the agency theory are reduced.
f) Two alternative theories of agency theory and the deficiencies in agency theory that the
alternative theories attempt to overcome.
The agency theory disregards the agents’ opinion, disrespect and distrust the agents, ignore the
ethical aspects of running the business and overlook solutions which are consistent with mutual
needs of the principals and agents. The shortcomings have reduced the reliability, validity, and
significance of the agency theory giving an opportunity to the application of other organizational
theories like contract theory and the stewardship theory.
i) Contract theory
The contract theory on developing either formal or informal agreement with an aim of
motivating different people with conflicting interests on the same asset or corporate. The main
objective of the theory is to take mutually beneficial actions which are fair and acceptable to both
parties. In simple terms, the contract theory explores the formation of contracts which are
beneficial with an aim of making the stakeholders stick together for the long period. In the
perspective of managing corporates, contract theory emphasizes on drawing up better contracts
which shape effective performance and productivity (Higson, 2003, p. 121).
The principle of contract theory also addresses the compensation packages offered to the
executives. The theory holds that the company executives should not be compensated based on
their own performance but on the performance of the companies within the sector. Therefore, it
addresses executive compensation of the executive which is disregarded under the agency
theory.

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ii) Stewardship theory
Stewardship theory holds that the executives or managers of firms act as stewards of the
shareholders or owners and that the two groups have common goals. Contrary to the agency
theory, the stewardship theory argues that the owners should not be too controlling to the
managers. Likewise, the board of directors should support the management in increasing
productivity and higher performance (Flynn, 2015, p. 13). According to the stewardship theory,
there should be a mutual relationship between the shareholders, represented by the board, and the
executives based on shared decision making, training and mentoring. The theory allows clear
communication channel and governance objectives hence eliminating the confusion on who
should be in charge of the operations between the board and the management/ executive (Flynn,
2015, p. 19).
Therefore, both the contract and stewardship theories are more reliable, governance-oriented, and
significant as compared to the agency theory.
g) Stewardship and the reporting that is required for stewardship changed over time?
According to the Stewardship concept, the stewards (agents) have the obligation to offer
financial reports with regards to the company which they govern but have no ownership rights
on. In the contemporary business world, the concept of stewardship is closely associated with the
accountability principle both to the internal and external stakeholders. Stewards have the
responsibility to appraise the past performance of the company as well as controlling the
managerial actions in the future (Financial Reporting Council, 2011, p. 29).
According to the IASB/ FASB guidelines, the application of stewardship differs from one
country/ organization to another. For instance, private firms do not broadly comply with the

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principle of stewardship as compared to the nonprofit and public organizations. All in all,
stewardship is expected to play a broader role decision-usefulness objective (Podrug, 2010, p.
57).
Changes in the Importance of Stewardship over Time
In July 2005, the IASB/ FASB ruled that the concept of stewardship should be included as an
objective of financial reporting. Prior to the announcement, stewardship would play a minor role
as objectives of financial reporting. The decision by the accounting body states that the objective
of financial reporting has become less important to the users, preparers, regulators and standard
setters over time. Lastly, the role of decision-usefulness as required under the concept of
stewardship have been downgraded over time (O’Connell, 2007, p. 81).
Question 3
a. The article by Kangarluie and Aalizadeh (2017).
i. Introduction and literature
The article is based on an ongoing discussion on the existing performance gap in auditing. The
introduction states that both the public and auditors hold different views on the responsibilities of
the auditors while preparing or disclosing an audit report. The report gains more spotlight after
the collapse the Anderson Consulting Corporation while the implication being laced squarely on
the auditors.
There is a clear review of the existing literature on the top. The authors acknowledged that there
existed a gap between the expectations from the auditors based on the researchers conducted in
different geographical locations. The study not only relied on the previous literature but also

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incorporated the views of accounting professionals, users, regulators, and preparers. Based on the
literature review, the article was focused on conducting an empirical study on the audit
expectation gap on the Iranian private Companies (Zelenka, 2010, p. 61).
ii. Methodology
The article followed an elaborate methodology to arrive at the results. The population (N) of
1389 was classified into two groups that are the management of private firms and auditing
officials. The study clearly outlines the formula that was used to arrive at a sample size (n) of
318. A questionnaire comprising of 32 questions was used to collect data. The questions were
further divided into two groups, that is, 25 questions addressing the role and responsibilities of
the auditors while the remaining 7 addressed the independence of the auditors. Lastly, the
Kolmogorov-Smirnov test was used to investigate whether or not the data and results were
distributed normally (Kangarluie & Aalizadeh, 2017).
iii. Hypotheses
The researcher has clearly stated the hypotheses of the study based on the objectives. The articles
outline two positive hypotheses. One, the research assumed that there existed a meaningful
difference in perception and view held by the auditors and the management on the roles and
responsibility of the auditors. And two, the research assumed that there existed a meaningful
difference in perception and views held by the auditors and the management on the independence
of the auditors. The article was meant to either propose or oppose the two hypotheses based on
the findings at the end (Kangarluie & Aalizadeh, 2017).

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iv. Results
The results have clearly tested the two hypotheses by examining the role and responsibility and
the independence of the auditors as help by two groups of the respondents. In testing the first
hypothesis, the results confirmed that indeed there existed meaningful difference on how both
the management and the auditors perceived the roles and responsibilities of the latter. Likewise,
the results also confirmed that there did not exist a meaningful difference on the perception held
by the management and the auditors on the independence of the latter. The mean of the views
held by the managers and auditors was 3.37 and 3.35 respectively. Which showed an
insignificant difference.
v. Conclusion
Generally, a conclusion always entails a summarized version of the entire research. The study
was focused on the empirical investigation of the existing gap between the audit expectation.
With a case study of the Iranian private firms. The population of the study was grouped into two
i.e. auditors and the management. Using the survey data collection and technique, data was
obtained and analyzed so as to test the two hypotheses. The study confirmed the first hypotheses
while rejected the second one.
The appraisal shows that all the researchers followed the standard research outline and
requirement in arriving at the results. The research elements of introduction/ background,
research problem, research objective, research topic, literature review, methodology, and results
have been exhaustively addressed.

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b) The article by Adeyemi and Olowookere (2011)
The study focused on investigating the existing the auditing performance gap in Nigeria. The
study specifically focused on the different perception held by the auditors and the users’ officers
of the financial reports. The appraisal evaluates different aspects of the study as shown below;
i. Defining of the population
In the context of research, the population is defined as a collection of objects or people who are
the main focus in a scientific query such as a research or empirical investigation. However, a
research population must be well-defined and constitute of the objects or people with similar and
binging attributes/ characteristics. However, it would be time-consuming and too expensive to
conduct a research of the entire population considering the limited resources and time. Hence,
most studies rely on sampling techniques to arrive at a justifiable sample size (Manly, 2012, p.
118).
For the purpose of this study, the users of the financial statements in Nigeria were chosen as the
population of the study. The users of the financial information are well-defined and have
common and binding characteristics to the financial statements. Therefore, the requirement for
the selection of a population in a scientific study has been met. However, it should be
acknowledged that there are millions of users of financial statements in Nigeria alone. Leave
alone the whole of Nigeria, even the population of users in Lagos (study area) could not be
covered in totality (Adeyemi & Olowookere, 2011). Using the purposive sampling, the sample
size of 250 respondents were arrived at. The respondents were narrowed down to auditors and
users such as bankers, accountants, students, stockbrokers, and investors.