This research examines the rationality of the expectations of nascent entrepreneurs. Consistent with conjectures regarding entry into self-employment, I find substantial overoptimism in nascent entrepreneurs' expectations in that they overestimate the probability that their nascent activity will...

We empirically examine the effect of self-efficacy on entrepreneurial investment choices. We identify various attributes of entrepreneurial investment, and argue that higher self-efficacy is associated with more aggressive entrepreneurial investment decisions. We show that self-efficacy...

Research suggests that where preparers have discretion in reporting, they will report in a self-serving way, both in mandated and voluntary disclosures. This study investigates the self-serving behaviour of preparers of annual reports by examining the voluntary disclosure of share performance...

This paper investigates the determinants of capital structure and use of financing for small and medium sized enterprises. Hypotheses utilizing static trade-off and pecking order arguments are empirically examined using a series of firm characteristics including: size, asset structure,...

This article investigates the determinants of capital structure and types of financing used around business start-ups utilizing a survey that reduces the confounding effects of survivorship bias. In particular, the influence of start-up size, asset structure, organization type, growth...

We posit that individuals who are actively engaged in activities to develop their own venture will exhibit hindsight bias when recalling their startup experiences. We observe that those who fail to develop their startup activity into an operating business demonstrate substantial hindsight bias...

All firm performance measurement requires knowledge of or assumptions about the firm's objectives. I provide a framework for the firm's objective function based on the extent to which owners differ in the utility derived from alternative firm actions and outcomes. I theorize as owner utility...

Using a dataset of 3,234 letters sent by 434 hedge funds to their investors during 1995-2011, we study what motivates hedge fund managers to make voluntary disclosures. Contrary to the hedge fund industry's reputation for opacity, we observe that managers provide their investors with an array of...

We examine whether more sophisticated accounting methods (in the form of accrual accounting) interact with other information sources to reduce information asymmetries between small business borrowers and lenders, thereby lowering borrowers' probability of loan denial and cost of debt. We find...

This study investigates the determinants of the initial retention of external accountants by new U.S. start-ups. We test several arguments related to agency and credibility needs, financial activity and complexity, and accounting support and advice. Consistent with financial activity and...