Ferdowsi University of MashhadIranian Journal of Accounting, Auditing and Finance2717-413110320260801Sectoral Herding and Volatility in the Chinese Stock Market: Lessons from COVID-191194816110.22067/ijaaf.2026.48161.1632ENSyed Faisal HassanBukhariSchool of Business and Economics and CEEAplA, University of Azores, Ponta Delgada, Portugal0000-0002-6971-1498PedroPimentelSchool of Business and Economics and CEEAplA, University of Azores, Ponta Delgada, Portugal0000-0003-1056-0338GualterCoutoSchool of Business and Economics and CEEAplA, University of Azores, Ponta Delgada, Portugal0000-0001-5560-5101Journal Article20250629This study investigates the Chinese stock market's herd mentality and volatility both before and after the COVID-19 outbreak. Using the GARCH (1,1) and return dispersion (CSAD) models, the study examined how market volatility and investor behavior differ across economic sectors. Due to the market meltdown and instability caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the results showed a significant rise in herd behavior and volatility following the outbreak. To control cross-sector herding and volatility in times of crisis, the research shows that sector-specific variations in these phenomena are necessary. The study highlights shortcomings, such as failing to consider more comprehensive factors like regional and global influences, and recommends that these areas be addressed in subsequent studies.https://ijaaf.um.ac.ir/article_48161_f4ed3f6aa2baaced0d790bbd9d7ead15.pdfFerdowsi University of MashhadIranian Journal of Accounting, Auditing and Finance2717-413110320260712Ranking the Factors Affecting the Level of Tax Compliance within the Framework of Comprehensive Tax Plan21454822210.22067/ijaaf.2026.48222.1611ENRahmanSajadpourDepartment of Accounting, Faculty of Administrative Sciences and Economics, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran0009-0006-9559-9950MehdiArab SalehiDepartment of Accounting, Faculty of Administrative Sciences and Economics, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran0000-0003-3982-9185IrajKazemiDepartment Of Statistics, Faculty Of Mathematics And Statistics, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran0000-0002-8876-9003Journal Article20251128According to this study, one of the most significant information technology projects of Iran's National Tax Administration (INTA) is the comprehensive tax plan, which considers the factors influencing tax compliance. In this research, the factors affecting tax compliance, including accounting variables (internal factors) and environmental conditions (external factors), were evaluated and ranked using decision tree algorithms. This study employed a longitudinal firm–year dataset (panel data) and analyzed it using machine-learning techniques rather than panel econometric models. The comparison of decision tree models revealed that the variables influencing tax compliance, in descending order of importance, were disclosure quality, board remuneration, the percentage of free-float shares, government ownership and influence in firms, cash-holding level, income smoothing, and firm size. The ranking of influential variables in this study provided valuable guidance for regulatory and supervisory institutions seeking to enhance tax compliance. Moreover, the findings indicated an evaluative indicator of the implementation level of the comprehensive tax plan, which can be used to assess the performance of the Iranian National Tax Administration and for future research.https://ijaaf.um.ac.ir/article_48222_8b3e245494a534cae8182756e1c33a4f.pdfFerdowsi University of MashhadIranian Journal of Accounting, Auditing and Finance2717-413110320260712Greener Growth, Tighter Credit? The Dual Role of Climate Action in Revenue Expectations and Financing Obstacles47774826710.22067/ijaaf.2026.48267.1662ENLy HoangVuUniversity of Finance - Marketing, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.0000-0003-4948-8863Journal Article20251206This study examines the firm-level determinants of expected revenue growth and perceived ease of access to finance, with a particular focus on climate change mitigation actions, leadership and ownership characteristics, institutional environments and macroeconomic conditions. The analysis of 21,729 enterprises across 28 countries during 2018–2020 showed that firms that adopt climate change mitigation actions are significantly more likely to expect revenue growth. Second, female leadership was positively associated with revenue growth expectations, whereas a higher share of female ownership was linked to lower growth expectations. Third, higher perceived corruption and inflation were associated with reduced growth expectations. Regarding perceived access to finance, larger firms, those with more experienced top managers, and firms operating in less corrupt environments perceived easier access to finance. Conversely, firms that monitor CO₂ emissions and those that have experienced weather-related losses report significantly greater financing obstacles. These findings suggested that climate mitigation efforts are not environmentally beneficial alone but are positively correlated with managerial optimism about future revenue. However, such efforts, particularly emissions monitoring, may also signal risks to financiers, while climate-related physical shocks further constrain perceived access to capital. The results underscored the importance of both firm-level capabilities and institutional quality in shaping expectations and financial constraints.https://ijaaf.um.ac.ir/article_48267_a76650df1a9ed5ae6c11bce464aa2710.pdfFerdowsi University of MashhadIranian Journal of Accounting, Auditing and Finance2717-413110320260801Macroprudential Policy and the Risk Exposure of Commercial Banks79934785210.22067/ijaaf.2026.47852.1599ENNafisehKeshtgarFaculty of Literature and Humanities, University of Birjand, Birjand, Iran0009-0002-9938-6654Seyed HosseinMirjaliliInstitute for Humanities and Cultural Studies, Tehran, Iran0009-0006-7164-8236Journal Article20251008This paper evaluates the effectiveness of macroprudential policy in reducing commercial banks' risk exposure in Iran. In this study, an empirical model is developed using dynamic panel data techniques and the generalized method of moments (GMM) estimator to examine the impact of macroprudential policy on the risk-taking behavior of Iranian banks during the period 2010-2024. The analysis evaluates the potential effects of four macroprudential instruments aligned with policy objectives: the loan-to-income ratio (LTI), the loan-to-deposit ratio (LTD), the leverage ratio (LVR), and liquidity requirements (LIQ). As a result of stronger macroprudential oversight, commercial banks are significantly less likely to take on risk. In the context of financial sanctions and Iran’s unique economic environment, macroprudential tools remain highly effective in mitigating banking risks. As such, LTD instruments have a time lag, whereas LVR instruments have an immediate impact on risk. Additionally, no single instrument is more effective than the composite macroprudential index at reducing risk-taking. A more secure, less vulnerable banking system in Iran is possible through macroprudential policies, as the results show.https://ijaaf.um.ac.ir/article_47852_a283fe64e2fbe434793656a8e2f25fb3.pdfFerdowsi University of MashhadIranian Journal of Accounting, Auditing and Finance2717-413110320260712The Impact of ESG Performance on Capital Market Sensitivity951114806610.22067/ijaaf.2026.48066.1621ENBehzadKardanAssistant Professor, Department of Accounting, Faculty of Accounting, Economics and Administrative Sciences, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran0000-0001-9205-3377HamidehNazaridavajiPHD Student of Accounting, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran0000-0002-3159-2163Journal Article20251003This study examines the effect of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance on capital market sensitivity (CMS) among firms listed on the Tehran Stock Exchange. To assess how ESG performance influences firms' stock responses to market fluctuations, CMS was evaluated using three key indicators: beta, price volatility, and the Sharpe ratio. An analysis of 151 companies listed on the Tehran Stock Exchange from 2014 to 2023 was conducted in this quantitative, descriptive-analytical study. In addition to analyzing the direct effects of ESG performance on CMS, advanced econometric models were used to examine the moderating effects of inflation and economic sanctions. There was a statistically significant negative correlation between ESG performance and sensitivity to the capital markets. Stock price volatility was lower, and Sharpe ratios were greater for companies that performed well on ESG dimensions. In addition, the research on inflation and penalty intensity moderating effects showed that in bad political and economic circumstances, the impact of ESG performance on market sensitivity changes, either amplifying or diminishing, depending on the environmental factors. By concentrating on the Iranian capital market and incorporating the moderating effects of economic and political factors into the relationship between ESG performance and CMS, this study extended the existing literature on ESG and capital market risk management in emerging economies. Moreover, the study's applicability to investors and corporate managers made it more relevant.https://ijaaf.um.ac.ir/article_48066_d923cc098f686ed556d96d787e34faaf.pdfFerdowsi University of MashhadIranian Journal of Accounting, Auditing and Finance2717-413110320260712The Effectiveness of Kahoot! Game in Teaching Accounting Principles Course on Students' Quantitative and Qualitative Academic Performance1131374826310.22067/ijaaf.2026.48263.1634ENMohammad MahdiBozorgFinance-Financial Engineering, Yazd University, Yazd, Iran0009-0007-4413-2135ZohrehArefmaeshDepartment of Accounting and Finance, Faculty of Economics, Management, and Accounting, Yazd University, Yazd, Iran0000-0001-7328-2035AhmadZandvanianDepartment of Education, Yazd University, Yazd, Iran.0000-0001-7321-3523Journal Article20251210This study investigates the use of the educational technology tool Kahoot! in Accounting Principles II within a quasi-experimental design, addressing limited empirical evidence regarding students’ perceptual and performance-related responses to such tools in accounting education. Although various digital platforms have been explored in higher education, the documented effects of these platforms on students’ perceptions and performance in accounting courses remain relatively limited. Here, we extended this evidence by dissociating perceptual and performance-related measures. This study involves 63 undergraduate accounting and financial management students from Yazd University, who were divided into two groups: an experimental group that used Kahoot! for in-class exercises and assessments, and a control group that completed similar activities on paper. Data were analyzed using Excel and SPSS 27, with ANCOVA, MANCOVA, and a one-sample t-test used. Students in the experimental groups shared positive beliefs about motivation, enjoyment, collaboration, and classroom engagement. Yet when academic performance between the two waves was statistically controlled for baseline achievement, no statistically significant differences were found; initial within-group nominal differences in some classroom tests failed to survive Bonferroni adjustments. Because of the quasi-experimental design with nonequivalent groups, modest sample size, and low statistical power, these findings reflect observed associations rather than causal relationships and must be interpreted with caution. Overall, while Kahoot! While practicing at home may allow for a much more dynamic classroom experience, we cannot be certain whether it impacted their test performance. This study offers a timeline-based framework to inform future research on the pedagogical use of digital instructional tools in accounting education.https://ijaaf.um.ac.ir/article_48263_e7a0681c0c6541d26d83817efea9f94c.pdfFerdowsi University of MashhadIranian Journal of Accounting, Auditing and Finance2717-413110320260801The Moderating Effect of Power Distance on the Relationship between Conscientiousness and Extraversion with Auditors' Impartiality1391614827410.22067/ijaaf.2026.48274.1644ENHamidAlvari ChenariDepartment of Accounting, Faculty of Management and Economics, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran0009-0000-5067-1599OmidPoorheidariDepartment of Accounting, Faculty of Management and Economics, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran0000-0003-1599-4434AhmadKhodamipourDepartment of Accounting, Faculty of Management and Economics, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran0000-0002-1620-0096Journal Article20250827Auditors' impartiality is fundamental for responsible and logically grounded audit opinions. While prior research has examined the link between personality characteristics (conscientiousness and extraversion) and professional judgment, the moderating role of power distance remains largely unexplored in the auditing context. Existing studies have focused on structural aspects of independence, overlooking psychological and cultural contingencies. This study is the first to introduce power distance as a moderating variable between the Big Five personality characteristics and auditors' impartiality, adopting a contingency perspective that challenges the one-size-fits-all assumption in the auditing behavior literature. The present study is applied in nature regarding its purpose and methodology, specifically utilizing structural equation modeling. The data collection tool was a questionnaire. The study population comprised auditors at all levels within auditing firms, and the sample size was 384 auditors. These findings showed that the study's independent variables, conscientiousness and extraversion, have a positive and significant effect on impartiality. However, power distance moderates only the relationship between extraversion and impartiality, not that between conscientiousness and impartiality. Therefore, the power distance variable has a significant moderating effect on only one of the auditors' personality dimensions, namely extraversion. This highlights the importance of a contingency approach to understanding cultural impact, recognizing that cultural factors do not uniformly influence all individual characteristics but tend to have a stronger negative effect on those related to asserting or challenging authority, such as extraversion.https://ijaaf.um.ac.ir/article_48274_32dc82462d92450e3af1220aa45325d4.pdfFerdowsi University of MashhadIranian Journal of Accounting, Auditing and Finance2717-413110320260801Board Characteristics, Audit Fees, and Political Connections: An Integration of Resource Dependence and Agency Theories1631854828210.22067/ijaaf.2026.48282.1650ENAliSayadiDepartment of Accounting, Faculty of Management and Economics, Lorestan University, Khorramabad, Iran0009-0000-4874-0583IrajMirhossiniDepartment of Accounting, Faculty of Financial Sciences, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran0009-0002-4876-5208RezaKhajezadehDepartment of Accounting, Faculty of Management and Economics, Lorestan University, Khorramabad, Iran0009-0009-1878-8100SamanMirabbasiDepartment of Accounting, Faculty of Management and Economics, Lorestan University, Khorramabad, Iran0009-0000-9872-0820Journal Article20251026Audit risk reduction depends on the pivotal role of effective boards. However, auditors’ professional judgment is influenced by political connections, potentially impairing audit quality. The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of board characteristics on audit fees. Specifically, the moderating role of political connections will be examined. This study evaluated a sample of 107 companies listed on the Tehran Stock Exchange (TSE) from 2016 to 2023. To test the research hypotheses, pooled or panel data regression models were employed. Based on the empirical results, increasing board independence and financial expertise are associated with lower audit fees. Although political connections moderated the relationship between board independence and audit fees, they had no significant effect on the relationship between board expertise and audit fees. Political connections also directly affect the relationship between board independence and audit fees by altering corporate governance mechanisms and increasing demand for high-quality independent audits. Strict audit regulations indicated a strong institutional environment, and in such an environment, the impact of political connections on auditing is likely to be reduced. Therefore, political connections cannot have a significant moderating effect on the relationship between board expertise and audit fees. This study integrated board characteristics and political connections in an emerging-market context, thereby advancing the audit literature. Practical insights are provided for regulators, auditors, and corporate governance reformers.https://ijaaf.um.ac.ir/article_48282_0bdfd2a67deb53a40acbc39554d5a40c.pdfFerdowsi University of MashhadIranian Journal of Accounting, Auditing and Finance2717-413110320260712The Relationship Between Managerial Overconfidence and ESG: Emphasizing The Role of Environmental Costing1872004830010.22067/ijaaf.2026.48300.1675ENHananAbdullah HasanPostgraduate Institute for Accounting and Financial Studies, University of Baghdad, Baghdad, Iraq0000-0002-5765-8263Journal Article20250615This study aimed to examine the relationship between managerial overconfidence and ESG, emphasizing the moderating role of environmental costing in Iraqi firms and assessing whether environmental costing moderates the relationship between managerial overconfidence and ESG reporting among Iraqi companies. A multivariate regression model was employed to test the research hypotheses. The hypotheses were tested using panel data techniques with a fixed-effects model for firms listed on the Iraq Stock Exchange (ISE) from 2014 to 2023. The results showed a strong positive link between managerial overconfidence and ESG reporting. In addition, the findings suggested that environmental costing played a moderating role in the relationship between managerial overconfidence and ESG reporting. This study is unique in that it was the first to explore the interaction among environmental cost-effectiveness, managerial overconfidence, and corporate ESG reporting among firms on the ISE. The unique characteristics of Iraq’s emerging market environment created a distinctive context for this research. This study also examines the moderating role of environmental costing in the relationship between managerial overconfidence and ESG reporting. The research provided a fresh perspective on corporate financial management, particularly under crisis conditions. The results not only illustrated useful insights for managers, analysts, and regulatory institutions in Iraq but also enriched the existing literature in this regard.https://ijaaf.um.ac.ir/article_48300_fbd38300084cb25a3e23295d47f386d5.pdfFerdowsi University of MashhadIranian Journal of Accounting, Auditing and Finance2717-413110320260801Financial Stress Research Under the Magnitude Mind Lens2012214822310.22067/ijaaf.2026.48223.1647ENTaqiAl AbduwaniDepartment of Business and Management Studies, Faculty of Management, Gulf College, Muscat, Oman0009-0007-4830-8062ShimaEbrahimiDepartment of Persian Language and Literature, Faculty of Letters and Humanities, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran0000-0003-3528-1386IliyaPishghadamDepartment of Management, Faculty of Economics and Administrative Sciences, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, IranJournal Article20251205This study applied the Magnitude Mind Model (MMM) to evaluate the quality of cross-sectional financial stress literature beyond traditional methodological checklists. The MMM integrates magnitude thinking (SICHA: Scale, Impact, Complexity, Holism, Accuracy) with measures of intellectual humility (acknowledging uncertainty, context, and specific limitations) and hubris (simple causal claims, overgeneralization, false certainty). Following PRISMA 2020 guidelines, we consecutively selected the first 20 open-access English-language, Scopus Q1/Q2-indexed cross-sectional studies on financial stress published between 2015 and 2025 from a pool of 670 records. Two independent raters scored each paper on the 11 MMM sub-items, achieving excellent inter-rater reliability. Results suggested that, within this exploratory sample, only 10% of papers attained a high Magnitude Mind score, whereas 45% scored low. Hubris was the strongest correlate of MM scores in exploratory analyses. Low-MM papers frequently used causal language such as "causes" and "impacts" from cross-sectional data, overgeneralized findings from convenience samples, and presented generic limitation statements. Holism was the weakest SICHA sub-item, with 50% of papers scoring low. Analytical methods did not guarantee epistemic quality; two methodologically complex papers scored low due to extreme hubris. Temporal analysis revealed no significant improvement from 2015 to 2025. Within this sample, 45% of papers were classified as Low MM. The MMM may offer a potentially useful diagnostic and prescriptive tool for researchers, reviewers, and editors to promote more rigorous, humble, and credible science.https://ijaaf.um.ac.ir/article_48223_6f497db742b82253d9cf8c89073da954.pdf