How to explain accounting manipulations using the cognitive mapping technique? An evidence from Tunisia

The target of this paper is to explore the determinants of accounting manipulations under chief executive officer (CEO) perception in Tunisian listed firms. In fact, we aim to explore the effect of manager's psychological biases on accounts manipulations. Using the cognitive mapping technique, a mental model is presented respecting both classical and behavioural approaches. Besides the traditional variables, our results highlight that psychological variables lead also to manipulate accounting results. The most relevant ones are the level of optimism and overconfidence. These findings provide an important insight and recommendations for investors, auditors, financial analysts and regulators.