Applying Data Visualization to Analyze Accounting Policy Choices for Investment Property: A Case Study of Companies Listed on the Stock Exchange of Thailand
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Abstract
This research introduces an initial effort to apply data visualization technology, using Microsoft Power BI, to analyze management behavior in the selection of accounting policies. It focuses on the measurement methods for investment property in accordance with Thai Accounting Standard No. 40, Investment Property. The analysis is based on data collected from 2012 to 2021 from companies listed on the Stock Exchange of Thailand that hold investment properties and is conducted within the framework of Positive Accounting Theory (PAT).
The results indicate that the cost method has been the predominant approach adopted by most companies over the past decade. However, there is a growing trend toward the use of the fair value method, particularly after year 2020 (post‑COVID‑19 pandemic), and especially among companies that heavily rely on investment properties in their operations. The study also reveals that industry sector type significantly influences the choice of measurement method for investment property. Regarding the debt covenant and political cost hypotheses, the findings align with the notions of Positive Accounting Theory in explaining the selection of accounting method choices. However, no evidence supports the bonus plan hypothesis—companies with higher profits do not appear to adopt the fair value method to further increase their reported earnings. Overall, this study demonstrates that data visualization is not just a tool for presenting results but a complementary tool for enhancing analysis and uncovering trends, behaviors, and insights embedded in real-world data. These findings highlight how the use of data visualization techniques provides a deeper understanding of management behavior in the selection of accounting policies among Thai listed companies in the digital era environment.
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