We examine how shareholders' trust in managers is affected by the outcome of earnings management (inconsistent vs. consistent with shareholders' interests) and the method of earnings management (accruals vs. real methods). Using a controlled experiment, we predict and find that trust is impaired...

We examine how shareholders' trust in managers is affected by (1) the outcome of earnings management (inconsistent vs. consistent with shareholders' interests) and (2) the method of earnings management (accruals vs. real methods). Using a controlled experiment, we predict and find that trust is...