"Earnings management" involves deliberate actions taken by management to meet earnings objectives. "Profit smoothing" is:

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Profit smoothing refers to a form of earnings management where management takes deliberate actions to reduce the fluctuations in earnings from one period to another. This is done usually by moving earnings from a period of higher earnings to one with lower earnings or vice versa. While it is still a form of earnings management, it is considered more acceptable than other types, as smoothing out fluctuations can improve a company's long-term stability and reduce the impact of unexpected changes on investors.

"Earnings Management" Involves Deliberate Actions Taken by Management to Meet