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1 – 10 of over 112000Elisabeth Penti Kurniawati and Didi Achjari
This study aims to investigate the impact of the adoption of international accounting and auditing standards on corruption perception. In addition, this study examines the…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to investigate the impact of the adoption of international accounting and auditing standards on corruption perception. In addition, this study examines the strength of auditing and reporting standards (SARS) that mediate the relationship.
Design/methodology/approach
Agency theory and bonding theory were applied in this paper to investigate the impact of the adoption of international accounting and auditing standards on corruption perception. Data from 130 countries during three years were collected from Transparency International, Worldwide Governance Indicators, International Federation of Accountants, World Economic Forum, World Bank, Freedom House and World Justice Project. Hypotheses were tested using partial least squares structural equation modeling.
Findings
The results show a positive impact of the adoption of international accounting and auditing standards on corruption perception, directly and indirectly, through the SARS.
Practical implications
The results provide an insight into corruption eradication strategy through the adoption of international accounting and auditing standards and strengthen the auditing and reporting standards.
Originality/value
This study is distinctive, as no study has yet examined the impact of the adoption of international accounting standards construct, which contains International Financial Reporting Standards and International Standards on Auditing, on the corruption perception. The corruption perception construct is developed by combining the corruption perception index and the control of corruption indicators.
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Nisansala Wijekoon, Grant Samkin and Umesh Sharma
This paper aims to extend the literature by examining the need for International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) for Sri Lankan small and medium entities (SMEs) and…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to extend the literature by examining the need for International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) for Sri Lankan small and medium entities (SMEs) and investigating the institutional pressures that drove the adoption of the IFRS for SMEs in a developing country, Sri Lanka.
Design/methodology/approach
The theoretical framework adopted in this study draws on insights from new institutional sociology theory. An interview-based qualitative research was conducted with accountants and owners of SMEs, representatives from government agencies and the accounting standards-setting authority of Sri Lanka.
Findings
The emphasis on the need for international accounting standards for SMEs due to international structures and activities is not a priority for Sri Lankan SMEs. Sri Lankan SME owners do not receive requests to provide internationally comparable financial statements from their trade partners and international activities such as foreign exports, borrowings and ownerships are irrelevant business activities for them. Hence, findings reveal that the decision to adopt the IFRS for SMEs was in response to institutional pressures rather than alleged benefits of internationally comparable financial information. It appears from the results that the influence of local users’ needs and the government interference on the development of accounting standards does not exist in Sri Lanka.
Research limitations/implications
The research is limited to a single country. The data were collected from SMEs in Sri Lanka, as intended by the research boundary.[AQ1] The study has implications for policy makers, and standard setters charged with developing and implementing an appropriate financial reporting framework for SMEs.
Originality/value
The extant literature on IFRS for SMEs is sparse and mostly conducted through questionnaire surveys with a single user group of SME financial information.
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Nguyen Cong Phuong and Tran Dinh Khoi Nguyen
The purpose of this paper is to examine the recent accounting regulations designed to facilitate international harmonization in Vietnam and to show how Vietnam developed an…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine the recent accounting regulations designed to facilitate international harmonization in Vietnam and to show how Vietnam developed an accounting system that harmonizes with international standards while preserving macroeconomic control.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper is developed using the theoretical framework on globalisation.
Findings
The recent development of accounting aims to implement Vietnam's commitment to harmonize its accounting system with the world. This process has faced some difficulties due to national particularities such as Vietnam's economic system and accounting tradition. This paper shows that the regulators have been careful in their approach to develop and find ways to combine or adapt when pushing for accounting development: a co‐existence of vietnamese accounting standards and a uniform accounting system. This point differs from the Anglo‐Saxon world, but is comparable to China.
Research limitations/implications
The different approach to developing accounting regulation in Vietnam reflects the key role of the State in preserving governmental control while harmonizing with international standards.
Practical implications
This paper studies the influence of globalization on accounting development in Vietnam. It suggests that developing accounting practices in a country in harmony with international standards faces obstacles previously evidenced in the literature, such as economic system and accounting tradition. The study also provides insight into problems encountered by regulators who are incorporating international accounting standards into national accounting regulations. These problems suggest that international accounting standard setters and accounting regulators may face issues similar to those in Vietnam.
Originality/value
This paper contributes to the literature on international accounting harmonisation by illustrating the need for considering national particularities as factors that will affect the rate of harmonisation with international accounting standards.
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Daniel Zeghal and Karim Mhedhbi
The purpose of this paper is to analyze the consequences of using international accounting standards (IAS/IFRS) for the development of capital markets located in developing…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to analyze the consequences of using international accounting standards (IAS/IFRS) for the development of capital markets located in developing countries (emerging capital markets).
Design/methodology/approach
The authors conduct an empirical study using a sample of 38 developing countries with capital markets, starting by comparing the means of the different measures studied before and after the use of IAS/IFRS. A multivariate statistical analysis is conducted based on the estimation of a model of panel data with fixed effects.
Findings
The results show that the development of the emerging capital markets is positively and significantly associated with the use of international accounting standards.
Practical implications
The paper's findings are of interest to several different parties, primarily the national accounting standardization body, the IASB, many international organizations and international investors.
Originality/value
The paper describes an empirical study, conducted on a group of developing countries, which provides a better understanding of the potential consequences of the use of IASB standards. The paper is also a meaningful contribution to the international accounting literature, as it examines an interesting subject that has not yet been investigated.
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Hervé Stolowy and Anne Jeny‐Cazavan
IAS 1 (“Presentation of financial statements”) requires that application of all international standards is necessary in order to comply officially with International Accounting…
Abstract
IAS 1 (“Presentation of financial statements”) requires that application of all international standards is necessary in order to comply officially with International Accounting Standards. This appears to be a key statement for the move towards accounting harmonization. The feasibility of this kind of harmonization could be jeopardized if even one standard is “rejected” by companies. In this context, in the wake of the publication of IAS 38 “Intangible assets”, examines the ways that 21 national and two international accounting standards approach intangibles, both in terms of definition and treatment. Shows that there is no conceptual framework commonly accepted and that there is a considerable lack of consistency both inter‐country and intra‐country. This challenges the principle of the acceptability of all international accounting standards by companies that wish to or are required to apply IASs. The disharmony highlighted by the advent of IAS 38 could be a sign of the failure of international accounting harmonization.
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In recent years, Tunisian listed companies have been preparing their financial statements under a hybrid set of accounting standards; a mixture of national and international…
Abstract
Purpose
In recent years, Tunisian listed companies have been preparing their financial statements under a hybrid set of accounting standards; a mixture of national and international standards. The purpose of this paper is to empirically verify to what extent this particular form of de facto compliance with IAS/IFRS (which are not authorized in Tunisia) is used among listed companies. The paper further analyzes accounting professionals’ perception of the current state of Tunisian standards and their attitudes in the absence of relevant national Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAPs).
Design/methodology/approach
Two methodological approaches were used to answer the paper’s research questions: a document analysis approach and a survey questionnaire.
Findings
The document analysis revealed that a growing number of listed companies complement local GAAPs by standards they select among IAS/IFRS. The perception study indicated that Tunisian Accounting Standards are, indeed, less suitable for listed companies’ needs. Accordingly, when there is no local standard to measure a specific transaction or event, accounting professionals seem to have no problem in using some IAS/IFRS as a complement to overcome the unachieved nature of local GAAPs. However, the overall findings are likely to suggest that international standards used must not conflict with the Tunisian conceptual framework’s provisions. This means that the use of IAS/IFRS in conjunction with local GAAPs is generally perceived as being beneficial to the quality of financial statements.
Research limitations/implications
This study may be of interest to many developing countries that have not continued the harmonization of their accounting standards with IAS/IFRS. Future research should focus on the reasons which have led to this unachieved harmonization and the consequences of the normative gap which might emerge.
Practical implications
Previous research has often shown how difficult it is to apply international accounting standards in developing countries, especially when they do not correspond to the companies’ needs. Difficulties could occur when local standard-setters do not accurately know which new international standards are suitable to the market needs. The study gives some insights suggesting that corporate accounting practices should be analyzed to understand the real needs for new standards.
Originality/value
The paper highlights the beginning of a de facto convergence with international accounting standards without any support of national de jure convergence. Consideration of this phenomenon may contribute to the understanding of the malaise that characterizes the current accounting standard-setting in developing countries.
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Z.Y. Sacho and J.G.I. Oberholster
This paper investigates the factors influencing the future of the IASB, using as the point of departure, a review of its historical progression towards becoming the global…
Abstract
This paper investigates the factors influencing the future of the IASB, using as the point of departure, a review of its historical progression towards becoming the global accounting standard‐setting authority. It concludes that the IASB is an organisation vulnerable to (1) political lobbying of influential institutions, (2) US accounting authorities decision makers, (3) potential accounting scandals, and (4) cultural differences resulting in the misapplication of its standards around the world. Such factors should be borne in mind when charting the next steps for the IASB and in evaluating the comparability and quality of accounts produced under IFRSs around the world.
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Fatma Ben Slama and Mohamed Faker Klibi
The purpose of this paper is to discuss accounting development in Tunisia, which is a developing North African country little known in the international accounting literature.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to discuss accounting development in Tunisia, which is a developing North African country little known in the international accounting literature.
Design/methodology/approach
Methodologically, this paper is based on an exploratory approach. It uses the descriptive tradition of research by collecting and analyzing numerical and narrative data to identify and describe environmental factors that favor or hamper accounting development in Tunisia.
Findings
This paper indicates that Tunisian companies have been applying the Enterprise Accounting System (EAS) since 1996. This system, while keeping with the logic of a chart of accounts, represents a first attempt to harmonize with international accounting standards. Accounting harmonization in Tunisia is meant to support the strategy, launched in the early 1990s, to integrate the country into the globalization process. Accordingly, the EAS has helped to achieve macroeconomic benefits (public interests). However, it does not lead to the desired level of financial transparency (private interests), especially that of large companies. Currently, Tunisian Accounting Standards neither reflect the rapid evolution of business activity nor changes in international accounting standards. This unachieved harmonization has led some listed companies to comply with some International Financial Reporting Standards which are not included in the EAS.
Research limitations/implications
The unachieved harmonization in Tunisia is mainly related to the political system, taxation factors, the legal system, the weak state of corporate governance and governmental control over standardization.
Practical implications
This paper provides insights into the problems of developing countries that harmonize with international standards to achieve public interests. These countries may encounter many difficulties in bringing their accounting standards up to date. These difficulties seem to be associated with environmental specificities. Accordingly, international standardization bodies and developing country regulators should take into account environmental factors which are determinant for the harmonization decision to succeed.
Originality/value
This paper contributes to the existing literature on accounting development in developing countries. It implies that recent accounting development, as it is designed in Tunisia, is better suited to the needs of small businesses. Large companies would be compelled to complement local generally accepted accounting principles by standards they choose, voluntarily, among international standards.
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Timothy Eccles and Andrew Holt
This paper is concerned with International Accounting Standards (IAS) and their impact upon existing accounting practices for property within the UK. It also anticipates the wider…
Abstract
This paper is concerned with International Accounting Standards (IAS) and their impact upon existing accounting practices for property within the UK. It also anticipates the wider international and European demands for IAS. There are two primary points to consider. First, the European Union (EU) has stated that it expects publicly listed companies quoted on the stock exchanges of EU member states to adopt International Accounting Standards by 2005. Others are encouraged to do so, with an implication that this will become mandatory at some future date. In earlier papers, the authors examined the recent changes within property accounting and the role played by property professionals within that process. This paper examines the requirements of international standards within the context of the British position as explained earlier. Differences are noted, the contrasting debates analysed and suggestions offered for corporate real estate professionals to consider. Secondly, unlike British Accounting Standards, IAS do not recognise property professionals or any professional organisation representing them, such as the International Valuation Standards Committee (IVSC), and none of their regulations are represented within the standards. This situation is examined, and commentary provided upon the repercussions and possible solutions.
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Rahma Ben Salem and Salma Damak Ayadi
This study aims to explain why some countries have quickly embraced IFRS standards while others have partially adopted IFRS and others have been resisting using a model borrowed…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to explain why some countries have quickly embraced IFRS standards while others have partially adopted IFRS and others have been resisting using a model borrowed from social psychology that appeals to cultural differences.
Design/methodology/approach
After selecting a sample of 30 countries, the data were analyzed through hierarchical cluster analysis. The results indicate that the sampled countries are classified into seven categories according to the degree of application of international standards. The ordinal regression is used to identify cultural and institutional factors that influence the adoption of IFRS.
Findings
The findings show that interpersonal communication promotes the application of international standards while open-mindedness, ethnocentrism and knowledge of the host culture prevent the transition to a strategy of adoption. The authors have also found out an empirical support for the two institutional isomorphic pressures (coercive and mimetic) on the adoption of IFRS at the national level. While the opening to the international economy encourages countries to set a strategy of adoption, civil liberties and political rights, taxation and innovation impede such adoption.
Practical implications
The study contributes to a better understanding of the factors influencing the implementation of IFRS. It provides to institutional theorists, accounting scholars and policymakers a cultural and institutional model for effective IFRS adoption conditions: promote intercultural interactions; master IFRS does not automatically mean applying them; encourage openness to the global economy; review the taxation system and accounting education programs and especially; and allow some flexibility for standard setters. This study can also assist regulators to verify their policies for the enforcement of IFRS. This paper will also be useful for future research studying the links between human behavior and the choice of new accounting standards through acculturation theory.
Originality/value
Through the acculturation theory, five new cultural dimensions developed by Ben Salem et al. (2019) are used for the first time to define the choice of accounting systems developed to international standards. This study empirically verified the predictive validity of these dimensions on the adoption of IFRS. Previous research have been based on the relationship between culture and disclosure using mainly the Hofstede dimensions. There is, therefore, a shortage of studies analyzing the culture and adoption of IFRS in individual countries. This study provides a cultural and institutional model of IFRS implementation conditions. Similarly, the research included taxation, which is not addressed by previous research, and their relevance in explaining the recourse to IFRS standards is confirmed.
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