CORPORATE IMAGE AND THE RELIABILITY OF FINANCIAL REPORT
ABSTRACT
This study examined financial crimes of small scale enterprise in Benin City: Perspective of the Entrepreneur. In order to actualize the objectives of the study, various literature and theoretical issues were discussed. The instrument used for the purpose of this research was gathered through primary and secondary sources. The primary source is through questionnaires while the secondary source extracts from journals by different authors and other publications. The mass of information generated from the questionnaires was summarized in form of table and analyzed using simple percentage. The researcher administered one hundred (100) questionnaires to respondents, out of which eighty (80) were retrieved for the purpose of presenting and analyzing responses to issues raise in the questionnaires. The hypotheses stated in the study were tested using Z-test statistical tool. The findings from analysis revealed among other things that inadequate cash flow policy influence financial crimes in Small Scale Enterprise. The researcher recommends that the management of small scale enterprise should frequently train and re-train their staff in order to increase their knowledge in business management.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION
Background to the Study                     
Statement of the Research Problem             
Objectives of the Study                     
Research Hypotheses                     
Scope of the Study                        
Significance of the Study                     
Limitations of the Study                    
References                     
CHAPTER TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW
Introduction                             
Review of Theoretical Literature             
Review of Empirical Literature             
References                        
CHAPTER THREE: METHODOLOGY
Introduction                                 
Research Design                         
Population of the Study                     
Sample and Sampling Technique                 
Sources of Data                        
Model Specification                        
Method of Data Analysis                    
CHAPTER FOUR: DATA ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION
4.1    Introduction                         
4.2    Data Analysis and Interpretation            
4.3    Model Summary and Analysis of Result        
4.4    Test of Hypotheses                        
CHAPTER FIVE:    SUMMARY OF FINDINGS, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Introduction                         
Summary of the Finding                     
Conclusion                         
Recommendations                    
Bibliography                             
Appendix                         
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
BACKGROUND TO THE STUDY
The concept of corporate image was perceived to be of peripheral concern to senior management in the not too distant past. Typically, it was seen as the province of the public relations department and design consultants. Today, however, an increasing number of astute executives recognize them as critical corporate assets directly linked to competitive success. In recent years, building a good corporate image is increasingly on the firms’ agendas since the relationship between image and a sustained competitive advantage is widely acknowledged in the literature. Research into factors affecting corporate success shows a growing interest in intangible assets. For instance, the reputation of products and company as one of the intangible resources of any firm and he found that CEOs consistently ranked corporate reputation as the most important key intangible resource (Caliskan Icke and Ayturk, 2011).
According to Iwu-Egwuonwu (2011), one of the most critical strategic and enduring assets that a corporation, and indeed people that comprise it may possess is good image. For ages, the view that corporate image positively impacts on firm performance has been documented. In fact, even accounting literature backs the notion that corporate image causes an enormous amount of wealth encapsulated in what is called goodwill, and that the image which organizations orchestrate for themselves do cause sustainable profits. These views have attracted quite a lot of scholars to structure research in so many areas of corporate image, and the body of knowledge on this subject is indeed not only increasing but deepening also.
STATEMENT OF THE RESEARCH PROBLEM
As a result of corporate scandals at the beginning of the millennium, the importance of a positive corporate image has never been greater. When a business firm loses its image, there is a loss of trust, which is fundamental to business activities involving the firm‘s customers, suppliers, lenders, investors, and others. A positive corporate image connotes management‘s commitment to ethical accounting and principled business practices. A key factor in corporate image is corporate social responsibility, such as taking care of the environment. Other factors include wise use of assets, financial soundness, and investment value, all of which are based on honest financial reporting. These measures of financial performance are unreliable and meaningless without ethical accounting practices. A positive corporate image is only possible with ethical behavior and the trust that builds with a firm‘s stakeholders. Firms that operate ethically in the long-term are expected to build a better image and achieve better performance, as a result of better relationships with customers, suppliers, lenders, investors, and others. Yet, research has reported mixed results regarding the economic effects of corporate image, that is, whether firms do or do not receive measurable economic benefits.
The study intends to give answer to the following questions:
Is there significant relationship between corporate image and return on asset?
Is there significant relationship between corporate image and return on equity?
Is there significant relationship between corporate image and firm size?
OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY
The main objective of the study is to examine corporate image and financial reporting.
The specific objectives are:
To investigate the relationship between corporate image and return on asset.
To determine the relationship between corporate image and return on equity.
To ascertain the relationship between corporate image and firm size.
RESEARCH HYPOTHESES
The following formulated hypotheses will be tested in the study:
There is a relationship between corporate image and return on asset.
There is a relationship between corporate image and leverage.
There is a relationship between corporate image and firm size.
SCOPE OF THE STUDY
The research study focuses on corporate image and financial reporting in Nigeria.
The population of the study is the entire quoted companies in the Nigeria Stock Exchange.
The sample size will be restricted to some selected companies quoted in the Nigeria Stock Exchange for the periods 2006 to 2010.
Geographically, the study will be conducted in Benin City, Edo State.
SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY
This research work on its conclusion, together with whatever solution or findings that may arise, will prove useful to some particular group of persons or otherwise for various reasons in accordance with their varying needs.
Beneficiaries
Corporate bodies: This study will be important and beneficial to stakeholders to know the essence of the corporate image and financial reporting.
The Government: It will acquaint the government of the importance of corporate image and financial reporting and how it should be properly managed.
Academic/future researcher: Both academic and other future researchers in this similar subject matter will find it a useful source of learning and research.
LIMITATIONS OF THE STUDY
In the course of conducting this research work, the researcher encountered some constraints. These constraints are:
Inadequate Study Materials: Research materials were of limited supply due to the practicality of the study. Where they were available; the cost involved in sourcing for them was very expensive.    
Lack of Access to Current Data: Most managements and staff of the establishment would not want to disclose important or relevant information about their organizations on this subject matter, except were such is permitted by law to be disclosed.  
Finance Cost: The cost involved in sourcing for the available materials and other necessary information was very high within the reach of the student researcher.
 REFERENCES
Caliskan, E. N., Icke, B. T. & Ayturk, Y. (2011), Corporate Reputation and Financial Performance: Evidence from Turkey, Research Journal of International Studies, 18: 61 – 72.
Iwu-Egwuonwu, R. C. (2011), Corporate Reputation & Firm Performance: Empirical Literature Evidence, International Journal of Business and Management, 6(4): 197 – 206.