cost stickiness

Objectives: This study examines the impact of cost stickiness on financial reporting quality, considering the moderating role of financial constraints. By investigating this relationship, the research aims to highlight how financial constraints can exacerbate the adverse effects of cost stickiness on financial reporting quality. Methodology/Design/Approach: The study employs a causal-correlational research design. The statistical population consists of firms listed on the Tehran Stock Exchange, from which 131 companies were selected using the systematic elimination sampling method. The study covers the period from 2014 to 2023. Financial reporting quality was measured using the modified Jones model, cost stickiness was assessed based on operating costs, and financial constraints were evaluated using the Kaplan and Zingales model. The research hypotheses were tested using multivariate regression analysis. Findings: The results indicate that cost stickiness negatively affects financial reporting quality. While financial constraints alone do not significantly impact financial reporting quality, their interaction with cost stickiness intensifies the negative effect. In other words, financial constraints amplify the adverse relationship between cost stickiness and financial reporting quality. Innovation: This study contributes to the literature by providing empirical evidence on the interplay between cost stickiness, financial constraints, and financial reporting quality in an emerging market context. The findings offer valuable insights for firms seeking to enhance financial reporting transparency by managing cost behavior and financial constraints effectively.

Objectives: This study examines the impact of cost stickiness and product market competition on companies' competitive business strategies. By analyzing these relationships, the research aims to provide insights into how market dynamics and cost behavior influence strategic decision-making. Methodology/Design/Approach: The study is applied in nature and follows a causal-correlational methodology. The statistical population consists of firms listed on the Tehran Stock Exchange, from which 130 companies were selected using the systematic elimination sampling method. The research covers eight years from 2016 to 2023. The hypotheses were tested using three statistical models to assess the relationships between cost stickiness, market competition, and business strategy. Findings: The results indicate an inverse relationship between product market competition and competitive business strategy, suggesting that firms in highly competitive industries tend to adopt defensive strategies. However, no significant relationship was found between cost stickiness and competitive business strategy. Additionally, the interaction between cost stickiness and product market competition does not significantly influence firms' strategic choices. Innovation: This study contributes to the literature by exploring the interplay between cost behavior, market competition, and strategic decision-making in emerging markets. The findings offer valuable implications for managers and policymakers in shaping business strategies based on market conditions and cost structures.