Corporate Governance and the Level of Compliance with International Accounting Standards (IAS-1): Evidence from Bahrain Bourse
International Research Journal of Finance and Economics, Issue 157, 2016
13 Pages Posted: 13 Jan 2017
Date Written: December 20, 2016
Abstract
Harmonization of financial reporting standards reduces information asymmetry and improves the confidence of users of financial information while making decisions .Similarly, corporate governance enhances the transparency of financial information through reducing agency conflicts. Moreover, in order to increase the confidence of investors, attract prospective investors and reduce conflict of interests, Bahrain encourages firms to adhere to both the International Financial Reporting Standards and Bahrain’s Code of Corporate Governance. Accordingly, the purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationship between corporate governance and the level of compliance by 39 firms listed on Bahrain Bourse with International Accounting Standards (IAS-1). The results indicate that the level of corporate governance applied in Bahrain listed companies was 72.5% and it has a significant relationship with the level of compliance with IAS-1 disclosure. The findings and recommendations presented in this study might support regulatory bodies and standard setters in Bahrain to formulate strategies that would promote compliance with IFRSs by the listed firms. Additionally, the study contributes to financial reporting literature relating to the GCC countries.
Keywords: Harmonization, Corporate Governance Level, Compliance, IFRS, Bahrain
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