Cuong Do- n0150919-Research Proposal

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    Student Name: Cuong Do

    Student ID: N0150919

    The

    Implications ofInternational

    Harmonization

    of Accounting

    Standards

    February 4

    2011

    [Increasing growth in international businesses and capital flows has brought a

    rising economic integration. Because of these developments, there has

    gradually been an international homogeneous effect upon many practices and

    institutions, thus, a desire to harmonize Accounting Standards is born]

    Research

    Proposal

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    Table of Contents

    Introduction ................................................................................................................................ 2

    Motivation .................................................................................................................................. 2

    Background of the World Accounting ......................................................................................... 3

    Aim ............................................................................................................................................ 5

    Critical Reviews of the Harmonization Process ........................................................................... 5

    Methodology............................................................................................................................. 11

    Proposed Timeline .................................................................................................................... 12

    Bibliography ............................................................................................................................. 13

    Appendix .................................................................................................................................. 15

    1. National Differences ...................................................................................................... 152. Hofstedes Cultural Dimensions ...................................................................................... 163. Accounting Systems Categories ..................................................................................... 17

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    Introduction

    Over the last several years, globalization has been having a profound impact upon daily

    life. As the advancements in technology and communications have meant that the distances have

    become much smaller. At the same time, the reduction in trade barriers and the focus on free

    market principals have meant that it is becoming increasingly competitive. As the way

    businesses operate are facing increasing amounts of scrutiny from: the various activities that they

    are involved in (Cultural Revolution, 2007). In some cases, this could mean that shareholders are

    questioning the effectiveness of managements ability to achieve different financial objectives.

    While at other times, this could mean that companies are facing a careful examination of: their

    business models and practices from government agencies. As a result, the way that corporations

    are accounting for financial transactions has been brought to the forefront. Where, businesses

    want to address all of the concerns and adapt to the changes that are taking place from

    globalization. One tool that is being utilized, to achieve these objectives is International

    Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). Simply put, this is an international standard of accounting

    principles that are most commonly used around the world. The idea is that by establishing these

    different standards, you can be able to address the various concerns and improve transparency.

    However, given the fact that many countries have their own traditions and principals, these kinds

    of standards may not be accepted (Maree, 2007). To determine how some kind of basicfoundation can be established requires examining: the effects of cultural / national standards and

    if the free markets can most effectively address these issues (based upon the efficient markets

    hypothesis). Together, these different elements will provide the greatest insights, as to the total

    impact that international accounting standards is having on the world of business.

    Motivation

    The adoption of IFRSs would enhance the communication between managers,

    shareholders, other stakeholders due to the reduction of information asymmetry (Bushman and

    Smith, 2001), ultimately, lower agency costs (Healy and Palepu, 2001). Reduced information

    asymmetry would also mean lower costs of equity and debt (El-Gazzar et al, 1999; Botosan and

    Plumlee, 2002). IFRSs would also help international investors in making better financial

    decisions and informed judgements of the firm future financial performance (Street et al, 2000)

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    through enhanced quality accounting and transparency (Tarca, 2004; Tendeloo and Vanstraelen,

    2005). Furthermore, adopting IFRSs would improve comparability, lower transaction costs and

    boost foreign investments. Therefore, IFRSs would likely minimize profits manipulation and

    improve stock market efficiency (Kasznik, 1999; Leuz, 2003), whilst they would also tend to

    have positive impacts upon firms stock returns and equity related financial performance

    measurements (Guidry et al, 1999; Chung et al, 2002). Questions now can be raised despite the

    numerous benefits that harmonization of international accounting standards brings.

    Background of the World Accounting

    To determine the impact of cultural based factors on accounting standards means that we

    must examine the history of accounting throughout the world. As the basic principles of tracking

    the resources of an organization and its finances has always played an important part in their

    survival. This was necessary for all future planning and to determine where to effectively focus

    the limited amount of resources. As a result, the practice of entering these numbers into a ledger,

    following a standard format was continually being utilized. Where, businesses would

    inadvertently follow a basic format of calculating the overall profits and losses. Over the course

    of time, this would mean that the basic format was developed to the point, that it was continually

    embraced by a host of entities around the world (in one form or another). This is important,

    because it is showing how there was always an international form of select accounting standardsaround the world. The reason why, is because when you are working with numbers, there are

    only some many ways that you can effectively account for the overall profits and losses. Thus,

    the best standards were embraced by organizations, because they were effective tools. Once this

    began to occur, it would have a ripple effect on other entities, as they would use the same kind of

    tools. At which point, a certain amount of accounting practices were utilized by various

    organizations around the world (A Brief History of World Accounting, 2010).

    When you step back and look at what was taking place, it is clear that there were a certain

    amount of standards that were most preferred by organizations. Once trade began to improve, is

    when these principals would be shared with other individuals (who would communicate these

    ideas as well). This is highlighting, how there was need for basic accounting principles. As a

    result, when they were passed on from one person to the next, this would create the standards

    that are utilized to this day. In many ways, one could argue that harmonization is possible,

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    because it has been taking place for many centuries around the world. Where, certain practices

    have been embraced, as the most appropriate way for, monitoring how an organization is

    utilizing various resources to achieve their objectives (A Brief History of World Accounting,

    2010).

    A good example of this can be seen with double entry accounting method that was

    developed in 1400s. Where, two different thinkers would openly discuss how similar standards

    should be utilized, to address the different challenges facing all organizations. As this method,

    would allow for an effective way to tackle the issues that they were wrestling with. This is

    important, because the double entry accounting method was developed by the Italians and the

    Chinese. Even though these cultures were vastly different, the necessity in this basic principal

    would force businesses to embrace these ideals. What this shows, is how all cultures were

    following a loosely based format in one way or another. Therefore, adjusting to various

    international accounting standards should not be too difficult (A Brief History of World,

    Accounting 2010).

    The technological advancements and the transmission of information, people, products

    and services have gathered the world closer. Increasing growth in international businesses and

    capital flows has brought a rising economic integration. Because of these improvements, there

    has gradually been an international homogeneous effect upon many practices and institutions,

    thus, a desire to harmonize Accounting Standards is born (Wolk et al., 2001). When Daimler-

    Benz and Chrysler implemented their merger in early 1998, beyond the simple meaning that two

    companies from two different countries merged, two different Accounting Philosophies were

    forced to combine (Radebaugh and Daniels, 2001). These differences in Accounting Standards

    led among other things to the problems in comparing financial statements (Hill, 1999). This lack

    of comparability hinders the free movement of capital markets as international shareholders

    might lose confidence in investing in foreign companies, which have their financial statements in

    accordance with their respective countrys Accounting Standards.

    In the recent years, international enterprises, financial analysts, numerous international

    standards setters, e.g. International Accounting Standard Board (IASB) and other interested

    parties have put great efforts in order to achieve the harmonisation of Accounting Standards. The

    primary objective of those was to eliminate the diversity of financial statements, to lower extra

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    costs, arising from using different financial statement formats, and to attract more foreign

    investors (Epstein and Mirza, 2001).

    Aim

    Given the benefits that international companies enjoy after the IFRS convergence, the primary

    objective of this research is to investigate the two controversial topics, namely:

    y If accounting is culturally based and national cultures are different, will internationalharmonization be possible?

    y If the efficient markets hypothesis holds, then could it be interpreted as meaning thatharmonization of international accounting standards is unnecessary?

    Critical Reviews of the Harmonization Process

    Despite the common practices that were being used in accounting, various cultural

    traditions were often embraced as part of these basic principles. This is because each region of

    the world had common ideas and influences that were most important to them. Where, they

    wanted to instill these traditions in the way business is conducted in a particular region. Part of

    the reason for this, is because various countries had different: legal, governmental and reporting

    procedures. This meant that when you would go from one region of the world to the next, the

    basic formula was embraced within the industry. Yet, they were also augmented with others

    ideas, reflecting the traditions of a particular country (International Differences in Accounting,

    2005).

    For example, in the West (Continental-European) the basic accounting principles that are

    being utilized are based off the Roman Standards (Code law). As the ideas of ancient Rome

    would have an influence upon: the legal system, the government and the way that information

    was recorded. This is important, because this basic standard would be embraced by Western

    countries, as the most acceptable practices for business. However, in other areas of the world

    (such as China), they were not influenced by the ideas of the Romans. Instead, they were

    influenced by the ideas of Confucius. This would have an impact upon: the Chinese legal system,

    government and the way that business was conducted. As a result, you would see a situation

    develop, where these basic principals were utilized. While at the same time, they would be

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    embracing the same basic standard used in other countries. The only difference is that they were

    augmented to reflect different cultural factors. (International Differences in Accounting, 2005)

    Over the course of time, these different standards would continue to evolve with an

    increased focus on improving reporting and disclosure. This was a main emphasis within the

    accounting industry in many developed countries during the 20th century. Part of the reason for

    this, is because various events (such as the 1929 stock market crash), would have an impact upon

    the economy. Where, it became obvious that increased amounts of disclosure and transparency

    were necessary for the public to have confidence in the financial system. As a result, there were

    various regulations implemented that would require organizations to increase the overall amount

    of disclosures. The idea was that by disclosing any kind of material changes in balance sheet

    would help everyone, to make more informed decisions about what was taking place with a

    company. At the same time, it would make it easier for regulators to monitor the different

    activities of businesses.

    A good example of this can be seen with implementation of the Securities and Exchange

    Act of 1934 (in the United States). This law would require all companies to disclose to the public

    changes in: their earnings and report them on quarterly basis. The idea was that forcing everyone

    to follow these different standards would help to improve transparency. At which point, investors

    can make an informed decision about what was occurring. This is important, because it shows

    how this regulation was embracing the Western ideas of disclosure. Where, there was the cultural

    belief that this would help to: improve the stability of the markets and the economy (which it

    did). As a result, this principal would be embraced as time went by, as part of the basic standard

    operating procedures in an organization. Globalization would spread this basic idea around the

    world during the 1990s, by incorporating these views with the advances in technology and

    communication. What this shows, is that different cultural standards can become a part of

    international accounting principles. Therefore, this is highlighting how these different accounting

    standards can effectively be harmonized over the course of time.

    A good example of this can be seen by looking no further than China, where they

    announced that the country would follow IFRS standards. As they are going to be phasing in the

    different provisions one step at a time. This is significant, because it shows how globalization is

    causing a single form of accounting standards to be embraced. At the same time, the US and EU

    have begun working together to integrate the different accounting standards in line with IFRS

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    principals. This is important, because it shows how there is an emphasis to slowly integrate these

    ideas into one basic standard that can be used around the world (Fritz, 2006). Therefore, even

    with the various cultural differences, the acceptance of accounting based principals has become

    an integral part of business. As a result, harmonization is possible, because these basic ideas are

    being accepted in a number of countries around the world (Chinas Move on IFRS, 2007).

    The efficient market hypothesis states that it is impossible to beat the equity markets.

    The reason why is because they are reflecting the current and future expectations about the

    business itself. As stock prices in relation to the major market average will reflect these

    expectations at all times. This is important, because this theory is basically saying that anyone

    who is involved in the equity markets will have no way of outperforming the averages.

    Therefore, many individuals have concluded, that it is impossible to beat the markets, which

    makes creating various accounting standards an exercise in futility. The reason why, is because if

    you cannot have a better understanding of the situation (through accounting principles), then

    there is the possibility that this will not provide any kind of advantage. Where, the markets and

    investors are reflecting their expectations about profits in the price of the underlying stock

    (Efficient Market Hypothesis, 2011).

    When you step back and analyze what is taking place, it is clear that even if the efficient

    market theory is correct there is still the need for universally accepted accounting standards. This

    is because accounting is necessary in providing clarity to the organization. As a result, the

    implementation of these different standards can have an effect upon: all the entities and the

    activities that they are involved in. Where, they will provide the public with additional

    information including: presenting reliable information and making additional disclosures.

    Presenting of reliable information is when the different procedures will evaluate the overall

    strengths as well as weaknesses of an organization, based upon the allocation and use of various

    resources. This is important, because all entities are given a limited amount of resources that they

    can use, to achieve their different financial objectives. In some cases, this could be in the form of

    various financial based instruments such as: cash, stocks, bonds and insurance policies. While at

    other times, this could be utilizing various natural resources in the production of: different goods

    / services and the total amount of labor available to address the situation. These different

    elements will help managers to determine how they can be able to increase their overall profits,

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    by allocating resources where they are most effectively needed (Efficient Market Hypothesis,

    2011).

    At the same time, it will allow investors and regulators to monitor the activities of the

    business. Where, investors could use the information from the different reports, to decide if the

    company has the ability to remain financially solvent (based upon the allocation of the

    resources). This is because the basic function of all businesses is to make a profit. When an

    investor can be able to determine, if the actions taken by managers will affect the bottom line, is

    the point that the information being disclosed is useful. For example, the efficient market theory

    states that it is impossible to time the market, due to the fact that all current and future

    assumptions are being reflected in the price of the stock. However, investors such as Warren

    Buffet will use the different pieces of financial data, to determine if the company is a good long

    term investment (in relation to the price of the stock). This is important, because utilizing the

    data that was provide, has help Buffet be able to experience a larger return, in comparison with

    other investors (who subscribe to the efficient market theory). In this case, the use of common

    accounting standards would help Warren Buffet, to determine if particular company could

    provide him with superior returns. As a result, the harmonization of international accounting

    standards would be useful for investors, in determining if purchasing a particular company is

    advantageous (Efficient Market Hypothesis, 2011).

    In the case of regulators, the use of financially accepted accounting principles helps to

    improve their enforcement of different regulations. This is because, the information that is being

    provided, can gives bureaucrats more clarity about the nature of an organizations activities. At

    which point, they compare these numbers with public statements that were made by executives,

    to determine if they are trying to mislead investors. A good example of this can be seen with the

    Enron investigation. What happened was, no one understood the overall scope of the fraud, and

    much less how it would affect investors (until it was too late). At which point, various executives

    began to play a game of finger pointing and denial of their involvement. To determine who was

    responsible for what took place and their roles, investigators would look at the statements that

    were made by executives (to the public), their personal sales of company stock at the time and

    the reported financial information in comparison with the off the book special purpose entities.

    As a result, the former CEOs Ken Lay and Jeffrey Skilling were charged with being the ring

    leaders of the fraud. This is because both men would make public statements about the financial

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    strength of their company. While at the same time, they were privately selling their shares in the

    company and continuing to hide the overall extent of the losses. Once regulators were able to

    unravel the fraud, they would charge these two as the main culprits for what took place. This is

    important, because it showing how regulators would utilize financial information, to take down

    the veil of secrecy surrounding what took place. At which point, they would charge the two with

    securities fraud and making misleading statements to the general public. In this aspect, the use of

    accounting based standards was important, in creating a basic foundation for the investigation

    that took place. Therefore, the harmonization of different international accounting standards is

    necessary, as the efficient market theory will overlook key aspects of elements that may not be

    known to the general public (such as fraud). As a result, the various standards help to prevent

    this from occurring, by leaving a paper trail of what activities took place and when (Thomas

    2002).

    Making additional disclosures is when the company is providing added information that

    can be used, to determine if there is any kind of changes, in the underlying financial condition of

    an organization. This is important, because this basic standard has been utilized to: keep the

    public and investors informed about the changing market conditions. Where, it will tell them if

    there have been changes to the balance sheet of company, based upon particular events. As a

    result, this is providing information that has been used as part of understanding the financial

    condition of an organization. When you compare this with the efficient market theory, it is

    obvious that the improved accounting standards will help to inform the public about what is

    taking place. Where, this is providing additional information that may not have been known

    about something that could be occurring internally.

    For example, in 2008 UPS was being affected by a sharp increase in energy prices to

    their business model. Under the traditional market theory, the increase in oil prices would be

    reflected in the price of the stock. As it was a total evaluation of the current run up to: record

    highs and the impact that they would have upon the overall bottom line of the company. Yet, in

    July 2008, the company would report a sharp reduction in quarterly earnings. As they were being

    hit by record high energy prices and declining demand from customers (UPS Lowers 2 Q

    Earnings, 2008). This would have an impact upon the price of stock, as shares would fall from

    $55.00 to below $40.00 per share in less than two months (UPS, 2011). In this case, the efficient

    market theory should have reflected these different views in the price of the stock. However,

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    because UPS made this disclosure, meant that analysts and investors would reevaluate the

    underlying earnings. Where, they would begin to see shares reflecting these changing views

    about what was occurring. In this aspect, one could argue that the efficient market theory is

    ignoring key facts that may not be known about: the company or various challenges that could be

    affecting their overall bottom line. This is important, because it shows how having some kind of

    internationally based accounting standards, helps organizations to be able to identify key changes

    that are occurring in: the economy and communicate this information to the public. Where, there

    are obvious facts and figures that may not have been known (when looking at the prevailing

    news headlines). Therefore, having a universal accounting standard will have an impact upon

    how quickly an organization will respond to different challenges.

    When you step back and analyze this information, it is clear that even if the efficient

    market theory holds true, there needs to be some kind of universal accounting standards. This is

    because, the efficient market theory is assuming that all relevant information is reflected in the

    price of the stock. However, international accounting standards are helping to help an

    organization be able to identify, changes that are occurring and adapt to them. At the same time,

    they can improve communication with the general public and regulators about these changes.

    This will improve transparency and help to increase the confidence that investors will have in the

    activities of management. Even if the efficient market theory is correct, it will not be able to

    actively tell managers, about the changing conditions of supply and demand. In this aspect, the

    use of universal accounting standard will help to address these issues. At the same time, it can be

    used to communicate with: the public, investors and regulators about how these changing

    conditions will have an impact upon the overall bottom line. This is important, because the use of

    an effective accounting system has helped to support the rapid increases in economic growth

    (due to improved accounting standards). Therefore, harmonization is necessary to address the

    constant challenges facing all organizations on a regular basis.

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    Methodology

    Since the research describes the characteristics and the implications surrounding the

    international harmonisation of Accounting Standards, it is believed to belong to the descriptive

    research field. However, the interested results will not be measured in terms of quantity, amount,

    intensity or frequency. A qualitative approach will be used to document the field of interest.

    Miles and Huberman identify a qualitative analysis as three flows of activity, namely:

    Data reduction,

    Data display and

    Conclusion drawing/verification (Miles and Huberman, 2000).

    Data collection is considered as data reduction because it is a decision, which data should

    be used. This research will only rely on secondary and not on primary data. In this case, books,

    previous research reports, articles and homepages are used as main secondary resources. Using

    secondary data will help us to save both time and money. As there is restricted time for writing

    this thesis, it is vital that we could collect data in a way which will be possible in this limited

    given time. Several researchers have given their efforts in finding the benefits of the

    harmonisation process. Thus, this research will use that method as well. Yet none of them gave a

    clear line of reasoning of the controversial topics discussed above. Therefore, existing data will

    be helpful in finding out the focus for the analysis part.Throughout the thesis, there will be graphics and tables to illustrate the content better (see

    Appendix for samples), which is believed to provide the reader a better understanding of the

    topic. Moreover, a specific structure will be chosen, which is different from the general

    structures, used in other thesis. As we are going to explain the national differences, implications

    underpinning the implementation of international harmonization, a structure is needed, which

    suits this process and guides the readers through the work.

    The structure will be the following three stages of development:

    A starting point the needs and benefits of international harmonization

    Discussion 1 differences of Accounting Practices and National Cultures Possible?

    Discussion 2 efficient market hypothesis Necessary?

    Thus, these three stages of development will be applied to the structure of the thesis.

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    Conclusion drawing includes the questions of what factors have influenced the researcher

    in making the conclusion. Conclusion drawing is believed to be a question of verification. In

    order to avoid subjective results the researcher will try to remain open and sceptically, to obtain

    diverse point of views during the study. Different books and article both from American as well

    as European and Asian authors are used. The ultimate aim is to prevent one-sided arguments and

    therefore, both sides of the medal will be considered. This could be done by not only trying to

    present the Asian and European view but also to explain the American view.

    Proposed Timeline

    February: Research proposalStart data collection

    March: Data collection completedData display and analysisLiterature review

    April: First draft

    July: Second draft

    June: Final report completedFindings presented

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    Accounting Theory, South-Western College Publishing, 5th edition.

    - Zakiria, Walid, 2009, Importance of Applying International Accounting Standard,Find

    Articles. Available from: http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qa5439/is_200901/ai_n31965625.

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    Appendix

    1. National Differences

    Source: Roberts, C., Weetman, P. and Gordon P. (1998), International Financial Accounting a comparativeapproach, Financial Times Pitman Publishing, London.

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    2. Hofstedes Cultural Dimensionsy Large versus small power distance

    The dimension of power distance should measure the degree of inequality in society and to what

    extent members of a society accept that the power in an organisation is distributed unequally.

    y Strong versus weak uncertainty avoidanceThe basic assumption behind this dimension is that humans are unsure about their future and

    therefore tend to use rules, laws and rituals to a certain degree to reduce uncertainty. This

    dimension is therefore the level to which people are uncomfortable with ambiguity and an

    uncertain future.

    y Individualism versus collectivismThis dimension describes whether members of a society have a very close relationship in the

    collective or if members of a society care for themselves and their family first. This dimension

    asks whether the I or we prevails.

    y Masculinity versus femininityThis dimension measures whether a society is more determined by masculine values as for

    example performance and achievement or by feminine values as relationships and caring

    Source:- Helgesson, T. (1996), Culture in International Business: an Introduction, AcademiaAdacta, Lund.- Choi, F., Frost C. and Gary, K. (2002), International Accounting, Prentice Hall, New Jersey, 4th edition.

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    3.Accounting Systems CategoriesMember of Anglo-American Model (Common Law)

    Source: Nobes et al., 1997.

    Member of Continental-European Model (Code Law)

    Source: Nobes, C., Mueller, G., Gernon, H. and Meek, G. (1997), Accounting an International Perspective, RichardD. Irwin, Inc; Chicago, 4th edition.