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Drivers of institutional change around the world: The case of IFRS

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Listed:
  • Miriam Koning

    (Erasmus University)

  • Gerard Mertens

    (Open University)

  • Peter Roosenboom

    (Erasmus University)

Abstract

Today more than ever it is crucial to understand the dynamic and intricate institutional landscape that MNEs operate in. However, the drivers of institutional change are still little understood. We focus on a recent fundamental institutional change: the worldwide switch to International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). The switch to IFRS was unexpected and not particularly welcomed by MNEs given that most national accounting systems in the pre-IFRS period were considered to be well aligned to the local cultural and environmental characteristics of each country. We test the drivers of this institutional change in a sample of 168 countries between 2002 and 2012 using empirical constructs from policy diffusion theory. Our findings show that the country-level decisions to adopt IFRS are not driven by local determinants but instead by adoption decisions by other, neighbouring countries and influential organizations. We find evidence for competition, learning and emulation as driving forces for the international spread of IFRS. We conclude that the switch to IFRS was not driven by an economic rationale only and diffused beyond the influence and interest of MNEs. Understanding these drivers is essential, because it enables management to anticipate and respond to institutional changes and consequently enhance performance and create competitive advantage.

Suggested Citation

  • Miriam Koning & Gerard Mertens & Peter Roosenboom, 2018. "Drivers of institutional change around the world: The case of IFRS," Journal of International Business Studies, Palgrave Macmillan;Academy of International Business, vol. 49(3), pages 249-271, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:pal:jintbs:v:49:y:2018:i:3:d:10.1057_s41267-017-0123-7
    DOI: 10.1057/s41267-017-0123-7
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