We review research from the 1990s that examines the determinants and consequences
of accounting choice, structuring our analysis around the three types of market
imperfections that influence managers’ choices: agency costs, information asymmetries,
and externalities affecting non-contracting parties.We conclude that research in the
1990s made limited progress in expanding our understanding of accounting choice
because of limitations in research design and a focus on replication rather than
extension of current knowledge.We discuss opportunities for future research,
recommending the exploration of the economic implications of accounting choice by
addressing the three different reasons why accounting matters. r 2001 Published by
Elsevier Science B.V