Journal of Emerging Technologies in Accounting, Auditing and Finance (JETAAF)

Objectives: This study aims to investigate the impact of cost leadership and product differentiation strategies on the comparability of financial statements among firms listed on the Tehran Stock Exchange (TSE). As two major strategic approaches, these methods are expected to reduce costs, diversify products, and enhance the evaluation of firms by users of financial information. Methodology/Design/Approach: A sample of 142 firms listed on the TSE during the period 2014–2022 was analyzed. The research hypotheses were tested using multivariate regression and panel data methodology, implemented through EViews-13 software. Findings: The empirical results reveal that both product differentiation and cost leadership strategies are positively and significantly associated with financial statement comparability. Specifically, product differentiation enhances comparability by emphasizing unique characteristics, while cost leadership improves comparability through systematic cost reduction. Innovation: This study contributes to the accounting literature by demonstrating how strategic management choices influence financial reporting quality. The findings highlight that cost leadership and product differentiation strategies not only strengthen operational efficiency but also provide measurable benchmarks that facilitate comparability in financial statements.

Objectives: This study aims to examine the effect of intellectual capital efficiency and its components—human capital, structural capital, and employed capital—on the future stock returns of companies listed on the Tehran Stock Exchange. The Value-Added Intellectual Coefficient (VAIC) model is used to measure intellectual capital efficiency. Methodology/Design/Approach: This applied study employs a descriptive-correlational and causal research design. The statistical population consists of all companies listed on the Tehran Stock Exchange from 2018 to 2023. A sample of 104 companies was selected using the systematic elimination method. Panel data analysis and multiple regression models were used to test the hypotheses, with EViews software employed for data analysis. Findings: The results indicate that overall intellectual capital efficiency, human capital, and structural capital positively and significantly affect future stock returns, while employed capital shows no statistically significant relationship. Furthermore, control variables such as growth opportunities and sales growth also have significant impacts on market returns. Innovation: The findings highlight the critical role of intangible assets—particularly human capital and organizational infrastructure—in value creation for shareholders. This underscores the importance of investing in knowledge-based resources to improve financial performance and stock market returns.

Objectives: This study aims to examine the effects of financial anxiety and financial optimism on life satisfaction among accounting students. Given the increasing financial pressures faced by university students, understanding the psychological dimensions of financial behavior is essential for improving their overall well-being. Methodology/Design/Approach: The statistical population comprised undergraduate accounting students, from which 113 participants were selected through a simple random sampling method. Data were collected using standardized questionnaires and analyzed through Pearson correlation and simultaneous linear regression to test the hypothesized relationships. Findings: The results indicate a significant negative relationship between financial anxiety and life satisfaction, and a significant positive relationship between financial optimism and life satisfaction. Furthermore, both financial anxiety and financial optimism jointly and significantly predict students’ life satisfaction. Innovation: This study contributes to the literature by integrating psychological and financial perspectives to explain students’ life satisfaction. The findings emphasize the need for educational institutions to incorporate financial management training and psychological counseling into academic programs to promote financial well-being and emotional resilience among students.

Objectives: The main purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between economic fluctuations, managerial ownership, and firm value among firms listed on the Tehran Stock Exchange (TSE). The research specifically examines how macroeconomic variables such as inflation rate fluctuations and GDP growth interact with managerial ownership, investment growth, and financial leverage to influence firm value. Methodology/Design/Approach: This study is applied in nature and adopts a causal (ex post facto) correlational design. The statistical population includes all firms listed on the TSE, from which 133 firms were selected using the systematic elimination sampling method. The study covers a seven-year period from 2017 to 2023, and data were analyzed using multiple regression models. Findings: The results show an inverse relationship between inflation rate fluctuations and firm value, while no significant relationship is found between GDP growth and firm value. The interaction between managerial ownership and GDP growth positively affects firm value, whereas the interaction between managerial ownership and inflation rate fluctuations has no significant effect. Moreover, the interaction between investment growth and GDP growth has a positive effect on firm value, but its interaction with inflation rate fluctuations does not. Finally, the interaction between financial leverage and inflation rate fluctuations has an inverse effect on firm value, while the interaction between financial leverage and GDP growth is insignificant. Innovation: This study contributes to the understanding of how economic fluctuations interact with firm-specific characteristics to shape firm value in emerging markets. The findings offer practical insights for policymakers and managers, emphasizing the importance of managing ownership structures and leverage decisions under varying macroeconomic conditions.

Objectives: This study aims to examine the relationship between corporate social responsibility (CSR) and firm performance, focusing on the moderating effect of financial leverage among firms listed on the Tehran Stock Exchange (TSE). CSR is viewed as a strategic managerial decision through which organizations address social and environmental issues to generate a positive impact beyond their boundaries. Methodology/Design/Approach: The study is applied in nature and adopts a causal (ex post facto) correlational design. The statistical population includes all firms listed on the TSE, from which 134 firms were selected using the systematic elimination sampling method. The research covers a ten-year period from 2015 to 2024. The study employed multiple regression analysis to test the proposed hypotheses. Findings: The results indicate a direct and significant relationship between CSR and financial performance. Moreover, financial leverage moderates this relationship, suggesting that higher debt levels can weaken or even reverse the positive impact of CSR on firm performance. Thus, while CSR contributes to enhanced firm performance, excessive leverage increases financial risk and alters this positive association. Innovation: This study contributes to the growing body of literature on CSR by providing empirical evidence from an emerging market context. It highlights how financial leverage—representing a firm’s financial risk—can shape the effectiveness of CSR in driving financial outcomes. The findings offer practical insights for managers and policymakers seeking to balance social commitments with sound financial strategies to ensure sustainable performance.

Objectives: This study aims to investigate the effect of unconditional conservatism on capital cost, considering the role of corporate social responsibility. The research seeks to understand how these factors interact and influence the overall cost of capital for firms. Methodology/Design/Approach: To achieve this purpose, the modified model by Givoly and Hayn (2000) was employed to calculate unconditional conservatism, following the methodologies of previous studies such as Krishnan and Viswanathan (2008) and Ahmed and Dolman (2007). This model emphasizes the estimation of unconstrained conservatism based on standardized accruals relative to total assets (TA). The criteria used to measure corporate social responsibility were adapted from Anis and Utah (2016). Data were collected from a sample of 102 firms listed on the Tehran Stock Exchange over a five-year period from 2018 to 2022. Multivariate regression analysis of panel data was utilized for data analysis. Findings: The results of the hypothesis testing revealed that social responsibility has a negative and significant effect on corporate capital cost, while unconditional conservatism does not exhibit a significant effect on the cost of capital. Additionally, a positive and significant relationship was found between unconditional conservatism and social responsibility. Innovation: This research contributes to the existing literature by exploring the interplay between unconditional conservatism, corporate social responsibility, and capital costs within the context of Iranian firms. It highlights the importance of understanding how social responsibility initiatives can influence financial metrics, thereby providing practical insights for managers aiming to optimize capital costs through enhanced corporate governance practices.