Purpose The purpose of this study is to investigate the level of readiness of the public sector in Qatar to adopt International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS), based on the innovation diffusion theory. The responses of accountants (preparers) and auditors employed in the public sector are explored in this regard, and challenges faced in IPSAS implementation are highlighted. Design/methodology/approach A primary research approach was adopted using a questionnaire that yielded 101 responses. Five dimensions are focused on: relative advantage, top management support, satisfaction with the current accounting system, barriers to adopting IPSAS, and attitudes towards innovation. Findings Relative advantage, barriers to adopting IPSAS and satisfaction with the current system were found to be the most significant. The influence of these variables appears to promote or hinder the implementation of IPSAS in the public sector of Qatar and, perhaps, the wider region. Practical implications Even if professionals understand the potential benefits of adopting IPSAS, they are unlikely to advance such adoption without upper echelon-sanctioned cost-benefit analyses and approval. Hence, policymakers should consider the need for a top-down shift in the way IPSASs are viewed and promoted to enable their successful implementation in the public sector. Social implications The positive association between satisfaction with current systems and the level of IPSAS implementation suggests that respondents view the usefulness and ease of use of their current systems as a primary reason to adopt IPSAS as an ‘upgrade’. Originality/value This study advances the understanding of the pre-transition process by drawing on innovation theory, which reveals determinants of IPSAS implementation in the case of Qatar. This study adds to prior studies on government accounting in developing nations.

Purpose This study aims to explore the role that culture and language play in the implementation of International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS). Design/methodology/approach The Hofstede–Gray and Huerta et al. (2013) models were used to collect data on language and accounting culture. Paired-sample t-test, regression and factor analyses were conducted on data from a sample of 101 respondents. This study also used ordinary least squares to test hypotheses. Findings The cultural dimensions of professionalism, secrecy and uniformity significantly influence the implementation of IPSAS. Furthermore, this study finds a significant link between culture, language and IPSAS implementation, which underlines the need for careful consideration of International Public Sector Accounting Standards Board policies in the promotion of IPSAS internationally. Research limitations/implications While this study is limited to its research method, using secondary data would have been challenging given the setting and accessibility issues. This study overcomes this problem by using a self-administered questionnaire. Prior studies confirm the reliability of the constructs. Despite providing justifications for why the authors use judgemental sampling, the authors acknowledge the limitation of the technique in survey distribution. Furthermore, the findings cannot be read without caution, as the authors focused on one country. However, interactions between accounting practices and culture in one country may be transferred to other countries that share a common language and culture with Qatar. The authors believe future research in this area will complement the understanding of the determinants of IPSAS implementation should the study be replicated. Social implications Policymakers, standard setters and regulators should promote and enforce an integrated approach that reflects the need for accountants and auditors to be conscious of the effects of culture and language, given the likelihood of widespread IPSAS adoption. Originality/value This study offers insight into the significance of culture and language in reforming public-sector accounting systems in developing nations and emerging economies.