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The uniformity-flexibility dilemma when comparing financial statements

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Purpose – The introduction of the IFRS in the European Union, and many other countries, has not
eliminated the need for research concerning the comparability of financial statements.The IFRSstill offers
many options. Extensive theoretical literature exists concerning the definition of comparable financial
statements and the factors that influence this comparability. This paper aims to investigate this issue.
Design/methodology/approach – The paper uses a survey of 426 individuals who use European
IFRS financial statements.
Findings – This study shows that most of the respondents (67 per cent) interpret comparability as
uniformity, that is, that all companies using the same accounting methods. Comparability of financial
statements over time and of companies operating within the same industry are considered to be the
most important types of comparability. Both types are jeopardised because of continuous changes in
IFRS and the lack of industry specific guidance. Only 41 per cent of the respondents believe that all
IFRS financial statements are comparable. Not only accounting methods used, but also judgements
made by preparers and interpretation differences are viewed as important factors influencing the
comparability of financial statements.
Research limitations/implications – As surveys are uncommon in accounting literature, often
because of sampling problems, the validity of this research should be further improved by additional
surveys or other empirical research approaches.
Originality/value – This study contributes to the research by determining which factors influence
the comparability of financial statements according to the auditors, analysts and other users and what
their view is on the comparability of financial statements.

Keywords Europe, Accounting, Comparability of financial statements, Harmonization,Uniformity-flexibility dilemma, Surveys

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Informasi Detail

Judul Seri

International Journal of Accounting and Information Management

No. Panggil

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Penerbit

: Emerald Group., 2012

Deskripsi Fisik

International Journal of Accounting and Information Management Vol. 20 No. 2, 2012 pp. 114-141

Bahasa

English

ISBN/ISSN

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Klasifikasi

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Tipe Isi

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Tipe Media

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Tipe Pembawa

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Edisi

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Subjek

AKUNTANSI

Info Detail Spesifik

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Pernyataan Tanggungjawab

Asmawati/Syahrial

Versi lain/terkait

Lampiran Berkas

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