A Social Norm Perspective on Distorted Information in China

Zhe Li, Massimo Massa, Nianhang Xu, and Hong Zhang

♦ Can social norms give rise to distorted information in China? We observe that China’s leading social norm related to alcohol consumption and social drinking enhance earnings management. An analysis of toxic alcohol scandals supports a causal interpretation. Further evidence suggests that the influence of alcohol may come from the negative externality that it creates, which is propagated by corporate leaders and cannot be attenuated by market-oriented institutions. Our results reveal a social norm externality that may have important normative implications.

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