Full IFRS and IFRS for SMEs Adoption by Private Firms

The study analyses the characteristics and determinants of Full IFRS and IFRS for SMEs adoption by private firms on country level. It identifies local versions of IFRS and reveals the emergence of a two standard system. The empirical results suggest that IFRS adoption is driven by net economic benefits, network effects and coercive pressures.

The issuance of the International Financial Reporting Standard for Small and Medium-sized Entities (IFRS for SMEs) in July 2009 has mixed up the bipolar financial reporting landscape between Local Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAPs) and Full IFRS by adding a third dimension to international GAAP choice. The study examines the characteristics and determinants of Full IFRS and IFRS for SMEs adoption by private firms in 110 countries. It finds empirical evidence for the continued existence of local versions of IFRS and the worldwide emergence of a two standard system. The findings also suggest that while Full IFRS adoption was mainly driven by network effects and political pressures, countries adopt the IFRS for SMEs notably due to cost-benefit considerations.

Autorentext

Maximilian Saucke studied Business Administration at the University of Bayreuth (Germany) and EDHEC Business School (France). He worked as a research assistant and lecturer for the Chair of International Accounting at the University of Münster (Germany).

Inhalt
Contents: Financial reporting of private firms International accounting harmonization De jure harmonization Comparative accounting research International accounting harmonization research Country level research Theory and hypotheses development Characteristics and determinants Full IFRS adoption IFRS for SMEs adoption Empirical results.