The Effect of Culture on Accounting System’s in China

Author(s)

Thian Cheng Lim , Dan Zhao , Xiu Yun Lim , Riuyang Chai ,

Download Full PDF Pages: 74 -84 | Views: 388 | Downloads: 96 | DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.3401883

Volume 1 - October 2012 (10)

Abstract

This paper investigates the effect of cultural influences on the international practice of accounting. We critique the contemporary research methodologies used to test this theory and proposed our methodology. We proposed to perform an empirical test using China firms. The cultural dimensions of Uncertainty Avoidance, Individualism, Power Distance, Masculinity and Long term Orientation is compared between USA and China accountants to discover whether Chinese accountants will exhibit stronger conservatism and secrecy when compared to US counterparts. National culture has a significant effect on the judgments of accountant when interpreting and applying selected IFRSs that contain uncertainty expressions. The issue of cultural influence in explaining behaviour in social systems has been recognised for some time, however, its impact on accounting as a social system is a more recent field of study. 

Keywords

Accounting convergence, uncertainty expressions, education, culture, accounting judgments

References

                   i.            Baydoun, N. and R. Willett. (1995). Cultural Relevance of Western Accounting Systems. Abacus, 31(1), 67-92

       ii.            Chow, C.W., Shields, M.D. & Wu, A. 1999, ‘The importance of national culture in the design of and preference for management controls for multi-national operations’, Accounting, Organisations and Society, vol. 24, pp. 441-461.

      iii.            Doupnik, T.S. & Tsakumis, G.T. 2004, ‘A critical review of tests of Gray’s theory of cultural relevance and suggestions for future research’, Journal of Accounting Literature, vol. 23, pp. 1-48. Retrieved January 14, 2008, from

     iv.            Fechner, H. and A. Kilgore. (1994). The Influence of Cultural Factors on Accounting Practice. The International Journal of Accounting Education and Research, 29(3), 265-277.

       v.            Finch, N. (2009). Towards on Understanding of Cultural Influence on the International Practice of Accounting, in: Journal of international business and cultural studies, Vol. 2, No. 1, p.1-6

     vi.            Gernon, H. & Wallace, R.S.O. 1995, ‘International accounting research: A review of its ecology, contending theories and methodologies’, Journal of Accounting Literature, vol. 14, pp. 54-106.

    vii.            Gerhady, P.G. (1990). An Evaluation of the Role of Culture in the Development of Accounting Principles in West Germany. Accounting and Finance Research Paper 90/2, The Flinders University of South Australia.

  viii.            Gray, S.J. (1988). Towards a Theory of Cultural Influence on the Development of Accounting Systems Internationally." Abacus, 24(1), 1-15.

     ix.            Harrison, G.L. & McKinnon, J.L. 1999, ‘Cross-cultural research in management control systems design: A review of the current state’, Accounting, Organisations and Society, vol. 24, pp. 483-506.

       x.            Hofstede, G. (1980). Culture’s Consequences: International Differences in Work Related Values. Sage Publications, London.

     xi.            Hosfstede, G. (1991). Cultures and Organizations: Software of the Mind. McGraw Hill, London.

    xii.            Matsumoto, D. & Juang, L. 2004, Culture and Psychology, 3rd edn, Wadsworth/Thomson Learning, Belmont. [13] Nobes, Christopher/Parker, Robert (2004). Comparative International Accounting, Essex 2005.

  xiii.            Perera, H. (1989). Towards a Framework to Analyse the Impact of Culture on Accounting. International Journal of Accounting, 24, 42-56.

  xiv.            Salter, S.B. and Niswander, F. (1995). Cultural Influence on the Development of Accounting Systems Internationally: A Test of Gray’s (1988) Theory, Journal of International Business Studies, 26(2), 379-397.

   xv.            Schwartz, S.H. & Bilsky, W. 1987, ‘Toward a universal psychological structure of human values’, Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, vol. 53, no. 3, pp. 550-562.

  xvi.            Smith, P.B. & Schwartz, S.H. 1997, ‘Values’, In J.W. Berry, M.H. Segall & C. Kagitcibasi (Eds.), Handbook of Cross-Cultural Psychology, (2nd edn., vol. 3, pp. 77-118), Allyn & Bacon, London.

xvii.            Tay, J.S.W. & Parker, R.H. 1990, ‘Measuring international harmonisation and standardisation’, ABACUS, vol. 26, no. 1, pp. 71-88.

xviii.            Violet, W.J. (1983). The Development of International Accounting Standards: An Anthropological Perspective. The International Journal of Accounting, Spring, 1-12.

  xix.            Wong, P. 2004, Challenges and successes in implementing international standards: Achieving convergence to IFRSs and ISAs, International Federation of Accountants, New York. [21] Zarzeski, M.T. 1996. Spontaneous harmonization effects of culture and market forces on accounting disclosure practices. Accounting Horizons. Vol. 10: 18-37.

Cite this Article: