Abstract
Details
Keywords
Nadia Albu, Cătălin Nicolae Albu, Ştefan Bunea, Daniela Artemisa Calu and Maria Mădălina Girbina
This study aims to investigate in‐depth, and explain the issues related to, the implementation of IAS/IFRS in an emergent country that recently adhered to the European Union, i.e…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to investigate in‐depth, and explain the issues related to, the implementation of IAS/IFRS in an emergent country that recently adhered to the European Union, i.e. Romania.
Design/methodology/approach
An institutional and structuration theory perspective is used to discuss two stages of IAS/IFRS implementation in Romania. Both primary (11 in‐depth semi‐structured interviews conducted with key actors involved in financial reporting) and secondary data (accounting regulations after the fall of communism, with respect to the implementation of IAS/IFRS) were collected for the purpose of the paper.
Findings
It was found that the two stages of IAS/IFRS implementation had different outcomes, with a more profound and qualitative impact of the second phase. The first step was a result of coercive external forces, that is, the influence of the World Bank. Given the lack of other factors to favor the change process, it is argued that the actual implementation of IAS in that period was very limited. Even though the second step meant a reduction in scope to only listed companies in consolidated accounts and financial institutions, it is argued that it was accompanied by a change process more significant than in the previous period.
Originality/value
The paper investigates the inter‐play between institutions, routines and politics in the Romanian context and highlights the complexity of accounting change in an emerging country.
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Nadia Albu, Catalin Nicolae Albu, Stefan Bunea and Maria Madalina Girbina
– This paper aims to investigate the development of accounting academia in an emerging country situated in Central and Eastern Europe.
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to investigate the development of accounting academia in an emerging country situated in Central and Eastern Europe.
Design/methodology/approach
First, the authors analyze publications in the main three local Romanian journals dedicated to accounting, using content analysis and statistical tests in line with the issues analyzed for accounting publications in the international literature. Second, they mobilize personal experience of, and observations of local developments by, the authors.
Findings
The authors find that the decision of establishing a national journal ranking system in Romania in 2005 had both positive and negative consequences. Romanian accounting academics were asked after 2005 to focus on a very short notice on writing research papers, following a long period of communism and about 15 years of post-communism during which they wrote textbooks and professional papers. Journal and university rankings therefore influenced the publication behavior of such researchers, leading to searches for efficiency, ease of publications, publications outside accounting as well as to a difficult publication of their research outcome by internationally relevant accounting journals.
Research limitations/implications
Publications in the three Romanian accounting journals for one year were analyzed and the personal experience of the authors mobilized. However, following this study, university administrators and national regulators can better ascertain the effect of their actions, and use these findings to better plan their future actions.
Originality/value
This paper contributes to accounting research literature by offering insights into the current state of accounting research and publication in an emerging economy (Romania), and by investigating the institutional factors that may be responsible for this state of affairs.