Christopher Patel - Böcker

This research monograph is an empirical examination of cultural influences on judgments of professional accountants from Australia, India and Malaysia in relation to a number of ethical issues in accounting including auditor-client conflict resolution, whistle blowing as an internal control mechanism and social desirability response bias. The study informs and guides both the theoretical specification and treatment of culture and its operationalization and methodology. It is shown that enhancement in the quality of cross-cultural research in accounting can be accomplished by providing greater insight into the depth, richness and complexity of cultural similarities and differences between and across nations by complementing the quantified dimensional based cultural measures with relevant historical, sociological and psychological literature. The findings of the study have implications for the management of multinational enterprises, the international convergence and harmonisation of accounting and auditing standards, and for cross-cultural accounting research. This research monograph would be particularly useful for researchers and research students interested in international dimensions of accounting and in ethical issues in international business.

This research monograph critically examines convergence of financial reporting in Germany by taking into account the influence of political, social and economic factors on accounting. This study makes an original and significant contribution by examining issues and biases in the convergence process that may challenge the assumption of superiority, global comparability and universal applicability of International Financial Reporting Standards. Specifically, this monograph critically evaluates convergence by taking into account German accounting development and examines issues concerning the application of professional judgment, which has increasingly been recognized as an important and controversial topic in international accounting. By applying a holistic approach with an emphasis on multiple perspectives, this study shows that accounting research will be enhanced by a critical examination of contextual environments of countries rather than a focus on measurement, quantification, simplification and categorisation.

This research monograph examines whether International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) are interpreted and applied in a consistent manner within and across countries, and questions the implicit assumption that accounting convergence will automatically lead to comparability in financial reporting. Its review of the accounting judgment and decision making research published in the five top-tier accounting journals over the last forty years shows that there is a limited number of studies that have examined the importance of consistency in interpreting and applying a single set of accounting standards. Furthermore, the monographs and reviews on audit judgment and decision making research published over the years have strengthened this strand of research in auditing by providing insights and suggesting avenues for future research. However, limited comprehensive reviews have been published so far for the research undertaken in the domain of accounting judgment. This research monograph provides empirical evidence on the factors that act as constraints on achieving the objectives of convergence of financial reporting.

This monograph critically examines the adoption of Anglo-American models of corporate governance and financial reporting in China. More specifically, it examines whether measures taken by the Chinese government, including the adoption of the International Financial Reporting Standards, the introduction of independent directors and audit committees, and the strengthening of auditor independence, are likely to improve the quality of financial reporting. A comprehensive theoretical framework based on institutional theory, which incorporates international influences, domestic influences, and intraorganizational dynamics, was developed. The findings suggest that the current institutional environment in China does not yet fully support Anglo-American practices. The implementation of internationally acceptable principles and standards is largely symbolic rather than instrumental. This monograph shows how contradictory institutional pressures shape the process and outcome of loose coupling between regulations and actual operations, which are intertwined with organizations' conflicts of interest and power dependence within China's institutional setting.