This research investigates the perceptions of stakeholders involved in financial reporting in four emerging economies (the Czech Republic, Hungary, Romania, and Turkey) regarding the possible implementation of IFRS for SMEs, in terms of costs, benefits, and strategy of adoption. In‐depth, semi‐structured interviews were conducted with representatives of main stakeholders (preparers, auditors, regulators, professional bodies, and users). We find more support for IFRS for SMEs implementation in these four countries than suggested by the results of the European Commission's consultation for the European Union. Interviews reveal differences between stakeholder groups and between countries regarding the preferred implementation approach (mandatory adoption, voluntary adoption or convergence of national regulations with IFRS for SMEs). Interviews indicate the most support for the convergence approach. However, users oppose convergence and prefer the adoption of IFRS for SMEs. The convergence approach moves regulators' attention from users' needs to preparers' preferences and preparedness. This finding is relevant in the decision‐making process of national regulators, who should balance the needs of various stakeholders, but also the country's political and economic objectives.

No abstract

No abstract

No abstract

This chapter presents and discusses the results of our analysis. Regarding the findings our first research study, the questionnaire on IR, we organize the discussion of results into more sections, namely research area (1) the interaction between the financial and non-financial information; IR versus other reports; research area (2) the capitals and the value creation process; research area (3) defining integrated reporting; research area (4) IR costs and benefits; research area (5) determinants of integrated reporting; research area (6) recommendations concerning the IIRC framework; research area (7) the industry; research area (8) characteristics for IR information; research area (9) voluntary versus mandatory IR and assurance. The second part of our research presents the results of the SPSS analysis, and we interpret the data according to its economic and business significance.