Recent findings indicate a significant divergence in how corporate executives and academic researchers assess and discuss corporate performance. In this study, we build upon and expand the research conducted by Certo, Jeon, Raney, & Lee in 2022, focusing on how companies evaluate their performance as reported in their annual filings. By analyzing 10-K filings using n-gram techniques, we illustrate the utility of n-grams and identify various performance metrics that could be beneficial for future research. The study reveals that while single-word (unigram) metrics for assessing firm performance can be useful, the use of n-grams offers a more effective solution. This method not only enhances the text analysis process but also contributes to the advancement of management as a field, with potential applications in other areas as well.
