Does government contracting translate to better earnings quality and less earnings management? In this study, we seek to answer this question. We find strong evidence that government suppliers strategically substitute accrual-based earnings management with real earnings management. Firms with...

This study contributes to the emerging literature on board co-option by examining how and to what extent co-opted directors influence managers’ attitudes about earnings management. We find robust evidence that co-option mitigates both real activities and accrual-based earnings management. Our...