The Impact of Data Asset Information Disclosure on Audit Quality: The Roles of Business Complexity and Media Attention

Abstract

In the digital economy era, the influence of data asset information disclosure on audit quality has become increasingly prominent. Based on information asymmetry theory and signaling theory, this paper empirically examines the mechanisms through which data asset disclosure affects audit quality using a sample of China's A-share listed companies from 2014 to 2024. The findings reveal: (1) a significant inverted U-shaped relationship between data asset disclosure and audit quality, with an inflection point at approximately 2.63; (2) media attention plays a partial mediating role in this relationship; and (3) business complexity significantly strengthens this non-linear effect, making the curve steeper and shifting the inflection point rightward to 2.97. Heterogeneity analysis shows that this inverted U-shaped relationship is significant only in high-tech firms. The study employs propensity score matching and instrumental variable methods to address endogeneity concerns, confirming the robustness of the results. This research enriches the theoretical framework of audit quality determinants, provides empirical evidence for regulating data asset disclosure policies, and offers practical insights for companies to optimize their disclosure strategies and for auditors to improve professional practice.