The determinants and value-relevance of voluntary disclosure of supply chain information

Abstract

We use the voluntary nature of supply chain information disclosure in China’s stock market, including both major customers and suppliers information, to study the determinants and value relevance of proprietary information voluntary disclosure. Consistent with information asymmetry concern, disclosure is more likely when firms are seeking external finance or operating with a more concentrated supply chain where the needs of reducing information asymmetry are higher. Supply chain disclosure is found to be associated with a lower firm valuation on average. Good corporate governance reduces such voluntary disclosure, further confirming protecting proprietary information is one of the key considerations of non-disclosure. The disclosure of supplier identity is less value relevant than customer identity.