Using Counter-Explanation to Limit Analysts' Forecast Optimism
Posted: 4 Aug 2005
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Using Counter-Explanation to Limit Analysts' Forecast Optimism
Abstract
Prior research demonstrates that forecast optimism is, in part, a consequence of analysts' cognitive reactions to the scenarios managers use to communicate future plans. In two experiments, we examine whether counter-explanation (explaining why managers' plans could fail) reduces scenario-induced optimism. We find that when compared to analysts not asked to generate counter-explanations, analysts who complete the relatively easy task of generating few counter-explanations make less optimistic forecasts, but analysts who complete the relatively difficult task of generating many counter-explanations do not. Results demonstrate the usefulness of a cognitive, theory-based mechanism for reducing forecast optimism and suggest a boundary condition for the use of that mechanism.
Keywords: counter-explanation, availability, EPS, forecast optimism
JEL Classification: G29, M41
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