Social Networks Analysis in Accounting and Finance

Abstract

Social network analysis (SNA) shifts the focus from individuals and organizations in isolation to their environment and the connections around them, making it a useful tool to investigate the underlying mechanisms of corporate decisions. In this article we systematically summarize SNA research in accounting and finance and offer a roadmap that may help this emerging literature to move forward. We identify 56 studies published in top accounting and finance journals between 2007 and 2020 employing SNA. These studies examine a wide variety of topics, including corporate governance, financial reporting and audit quality, investor decisions, lender decisions, analyst behavior, management compensation, and tax strategies. We provide an overview of the most relevant paradigms of network theory and classify the 56 studies accordingly. We also provide an outline of the key concepts and tools of SNA, including an empirical illustration. Finally, we critically discuss major empirical findings, opportunities, and challenges for future research. We believe SNA will continue to offer an interesting avenue to conduct high-impact and cross-disciplinary research in accounting and finance.

Keywords: social network analysis, networks, interlocks, social ties, social capital, literature review

JEL Classification: M4, M40, M41, M42, M49