Information Quality under IFRS, IFRS for SME and German-GAAP―Survey on Preferences of Non-Publicly Traded Mid-Sized Corporations

Abstract

The paper provides survey data on the information quality under IFRS, IFRS for SME and German-GAAP from the perspective of non-publicly traded mid-sized corporations. Survey findings suggest for a higher quality of financial statements under German-GAAP compared to those under IFRS. Beyond that, more corporations anticipate an increase in information quality with a shift from (full-)IFRS to IFRS for SME. The findings of empirical research previously obtained regarding pub-licly traded corporations, which show preferences for IFRS, cannot be confirmed in respect of the preferences of the non-publicly traded mid-sized corporations participating. This may be due to a general skepticism towards IFRS, a lack of IFRS knowledge, the convergence of German-GAAP and IFRS owing to the German Accounting Law Reform Act or in-group biases.