Determinants of Strategic Management Accounting Information Disclosure under a Multi-Theoretical Framework: Evidence of Listed Firms on Ghana Stock Exchange

Abstract

Sharing information is vital for decision-making as it helps mitigate risks by providing a wealth of relevant information. When the perceived risk is low, it ultimately reduces the costs associated with making a decision. Strategic Management Accounting Information is an important resource for decision-making. This study sought to identify the determinants of strategic management accounting information disclosure (SMAID) from multiple perspectives. The study used a non-experimental, quantitative correlational design to analyze 35 out of 36 firms listed on the Ghana Stock Exchange for a period between 2010 and 2019. The study employed a linear dynamic panel data model with a one-step system GMM. The model included lagged values of the dependent variable and accounted for unobserved panel-level effects. It was discovered that Board subcommittees have non-linear relationships with SMAID. The previous year's subcommittee negatively impacts SMAID, while the current year's has a positive influence. Past disclosures of strategic management and competitor accounting information have a positive impact on current SMAID. Past customer accounting information disclosures also positively influenced the current SMAID. The study reveals that past disclosures of strategic costing information positively and statistically affect current aggregate SMAID. It is recommended that firms establish effective board sub-committees that can provide oversight and guidance to the management team. Policymakers should consider enforcing the presence of such sub-committees to ensure high-quality and sufficient disclosure of SMAID. Maintaining a high level of SMAID from the previous year can positively impact the current year's SMAID, enabling firms to make better-informed decisions and enhance overall performance.