Title: Financial reporting choices in family firms and socioemotional wealth

Authors: Charlotte Haugland Sundkvist; André Opsahl; Tonny Stenheim

Addresses: University of South-Eastern Norway, P.O. Box 235, 3603 Kongsberg, Norway ' University of South-Eastern Norway, P.O. Box 235, 3603 Kongsberg, Norway ' University of South-Eastern Norway, P.O. Box 235, 3603 Kongsberg, Norway

Abstract: The paper discusses the theory of socioemotional wealth (SEW) and explains how and why this theory complements the principal-agent theory in the understanding of the financial reporting in family firms. The SEW theory argues that family owners often emphasise other objectives than the traditional economic objective of maximising their return on invested capital. These other objectives might be referred to as socioemotional objectives and may for example be the need to retain control of the firm or to preserve the family's financial wealth over time. Findings from the literature on financial reporting in family firms are discussed in light of Berrone et al. 's (2012) FIBER model. Based on this discussion, we also identify gaps in the literature and future research opportunities.

Keywords: family firms; socioemotional wealth; financial reporting; earnings management; voluntary disclosures.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMCP.2022.126684

International Journal of Management Concepts and Philosophy, 2022 Vol.15 No.4, pp.334 - 348

Received: 19 Jan 2022
Accepted: 30 Jan 2022

Published online: 02 Nov 2022 *

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