Cross-country differences in reporting practices – The case of provisions for liabilities

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of the study was to explore and compare reporting practices on provisions for liabilities in different countries. Methodology: The research was limited to the types of provisions that are addressed in the International Accounting Standard 37 – Provisions, Contingent Liabilities and Contingent Assets. For the purpose of the study, financial statements of the biggest public companies in Great Britain, Germany and Poland have been chosen to be taken into consideration. The following detailed issues have been explored: – Presentation of the types of provisions in a statement of financial position and additional notes to a financial statement, – Presentation of the amounts of provisions made, used, and reversed during a given period and the effects of changes in the discount rate, – Scope and quality of descriptions of the nature of obligations presented by entities. The results of the analysis have been viewed from two perspectives – the areas of compliance and non-compliance of reporting on provisions with IFRS have been identified and a comparison of the extent of compliance with particular requirements between companies from different countries has been developed. Findings: The results of the analysis have revealed that companies from selected countries demonstrate different levels of compliance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). Substantial differences in the scope and the quality of descriptive disclosures on provisions have been also identified. Originality/value: The study contributes to the research on cross-country differences in reporting practices and indicates the need for a further analysis of the underlying determinants.