Does Question Format Matter? Valuing an Endangered Species

A three-way treatment design is used to compare contingent valuation response formats. Respondents are asked to value an endangered species (the red-cockaded woodpecker) and the restoration of its habitat following a natural disaster. For three question formats (open-ended, payment card, and double-bounded dichotomous choice), differences in survey response rates, item non-response rates, and protest bids are examined. Bootstrap techniques are used to compare means across formats and to explore differences in willingness to pay (WTP) distribution functions. Convergent validity is found in a comparison of mean WTP values, although some differences are apparent in the cumulative distribution functions. Differences across formats are also identified in item non-response rates and proportion of protest bids. Overall, the payment card format exhibits desirable properties relative to the other two formats.     

The demand for the audit in small companies in the UK

A recent development of the big GAAP/little GAAP debate in the UK was the proposal to raise the audit exemption thresholds for small companies to EC levels. This paper is based on a survey of the directors of 385 companies conforming to the EC definition of ‘small’. The study investigates whether the three size criteria in company legislation (turnover, balance sheet total and number of employees) are appropriate and sufficient proxies for the demand for the audit by developing and testing a number of theoretical models. The results found that 63% of companies would choose to have their accounts audited if they were exempt, which suggests that the majority of those affected by the proposed increase consider the benefits outweigh the costs. It was found that turnover alone could represent size, but that size was less important than the directors' perceptions of the value of the audit in terms of improving the quality of information and providing a check on internal records. Agency relationships with owners and lenders were also found to be significant influences on the demand for the audit in companies of the size studied.     

Predicting Consumers' Preferences for and Likely Buying of Local and Organic Produce: Results of a Choice Experiment

Data from consumer intercept surveying and a hypothetical choice experiment conducted in 11 Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA grocery stores were used to predict consumers' preferences for and likely buying of local and organic produce. Results indicate that consumers strongly prefer produce with local and/or organic attributes, but are generally less likely to buy produce with these attributes. Consumers' sociodemographic characteristics, knowledge of different produce types, distance traveled for food shopping, and metro-area location affected preferences and likely buying behavior. These results will help local farmers in New Mexico and other states improve their competitiveness, preserve agricultural traditions, and contribute to economic development.     

Remittances and the real effective exchange rate

We examine the long-run relationship between remittances and the real exchange rate for less-developed countries. In a key departure from the literature, we employ a panel cointegration approach using an innovative method for the measurement of the multilateral real effective exchange rate and we focus on high-remittance economies. We find a small inelastic, but significant, long-run relationship which confirms a Dutch disease type effect. The short-run relationship is explored using a panel vector error correction model which confirms that short-run causality is unidirectional running from remittances to the exchange rate. Potential asymmetries in this relationship are identified using quantile regression analysis.     

Does the Nobes Cycle Exist,and if so,What Does it Signify?

This article provides an alternative analysis of the recent evidence provided by Nobes concerning the existence of cycles in accounting standard setting. We disagree with Nobes' interpretation on three grounds. (1) We do not believe that the theory of the ‘Nobes Cycle’ in accounting standard-setting is specified adequately to explain any cyclical behaviour in the degree of standardisation of ASC pronouncements. (2) Nor do we believe that the empirical evidence advanced by him justifies the view that the cycles exist in reality. The pattern seems to be substantially influenced by ASC's mode of operation and consultative process. (3) The single ‘degree of standardisation’ measure adopted by Nobes offers only a very partial view of changes in the quality of corporate reporting practice. We argue that the direction of standards and the quality and volume of disclosure are at least as important. Judging by the latter, we suggest that the ASC was highly successful.     

The Australian Differential Reporting Debate: A Survey of Practitioners

This paper reports the findings of an investigation into issues surrounding the differential reporting debate. This debate was formalised in Australia by the promulgation of the Australian Accounting Research Foundation's Exposure Draft 48—Proposed Statement of Differential Reporting. However, the foundation has chosen not to provide guidance as to the standards considered applicable to non-reporting entities within its differential reporting proposal. A postal survey of practising accountants across Australia examined the respondents' perceptions as to the standards applicable to firms varied by size and legal structure. The paper provides initial empirical results indicating the way in which practitioners will apply standards under the differential reporting provisions proposed in the exposure draft and raises questions for future research.     

To what extent are public savings offset by private savings in the OECD?

The substitutability of private and public savings has implications for the effectiveness of fiscal policy. Using annual data for the period 1970–2004, this study re-examines long-run relationships between OECD private and public savings rates. However, unlike previous work, panel data unit root and cointegration tests are employed. The results confirm substitutability where strong Ricardian Equivalence is rejected for the entire OECD panel. There is support for weak Ricardian Equivalence with less than perfect substitutability. Indeed, it is argued that existing studies most likely overstate the extent of long-run substitutability particularly with regard to EU countries. I am very grateful for the helpful comments provided by the Editor and an anonymous referee. Any remaining errors are my own.