Earnings management is defined as the use of the accounting
technique to show a financial statement that shows a positive view
of business activities of a company. In simple terms it is a method
of manipulating a company's financial records. It is done to have a
good appearance of a company financial position. With it companies
show consistent profits and a smooth earning.
Two motivating factors for corporate management for the earnings
management are:
- Preference for more stable earnings: Earning management
involves manipulating the company's earnings so that pre-determined
target can be earned. By using this company's can show a stable
earning to show that management is carrying out income
soothingly.
- Need to maintain the level of certain accounting ratios:
Another factor is that the companies need to maintain the ratios at
certain level so as to show that the company is in good shape. A
company needs to maintain the level of certain accounting ratios
due to its debt covenants, etc. Also there is pressure on the
companies to have and maintain an earning that is increasing and
also to beat the target set by various analyst.