This paper examines the relationship between ownership structure and real earnings management (REM). This paper uses data from 101 listed firms at Amman Stock Exchange (ASE) from 2011 to 2015. Using the random-effect generalized least square (GLS) regression model, the findings reveal that managerial and institutional ownership negatively influences REM, while foreign ownership has a positive association with REM. Further, both family and concentrated ownership did not have a direct effect on REM in Jordan. These outcomes suggest institutional and managerial ownership should be encouraged in listed companies as that it can replace for the weakness of other corporate governance (CG) mechanisms in reducing real earnings management. The outcomes of the current study should be of great interest to regulators and policy-makers; thereby study recommends to removal of lawful obstacles to greater involvement in CG by institutional investors.