Individual investors and accounting information disclosure

Abstract

This research aimed to understand the scientific productivity regarding accounting information within the environment of individual investors, focusing on the role of brokerage firms and social media in this informational context. The study conducted a bibliometric analysis that involved collecting international articles published over the last 33 years from the Scopus database. The methodology employed was bibliographic, documentary, descriptive, and quantitative. The final sample included 84 articles published between 1989 and 2021. It was observed that there has been an expansion in the discussion of the topic over the analyzed period, with contributions from researchers in 27 different countries. Co-authorship was primarily dominated by three researchers per article, with most authors contributing only one article in the field. The articles employ various approaches to understand the aspects and determinants affecting decision-making and the financial market. Points such as investor awareness, the role of brokerage firms and use of social media, new standards in financial reporting, wisdom of crowds, and investor attention and protection were discussed. Additionally, the research highlights the landscape, opportunities, and challenges in the field. This study becomes relevant for advancing academic knowledge and enhancing the efficiency and transparency of financial markets. It has the potential to trigger significant impacts on both accounting theory and the practical aspects of the financial industry.