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Lessons from misclassification in international accounting

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  • Nobes, Christopher

Abstract

Classification is a central activity in many sciences, such as chemistry. In social sciences, we cannot achieve the high precision and usefulness of the Mendeleev table of elements, but we can try to avoid poor classification. This paper sets out a method for identifying mis-classification in any field, drawing on the qualitative characteristics for useful information set out in the conceptual framework for financial reporting, particularly faithful representation and relevance. The method is applied first to various scientific fields and then to many classifications in international accounting and to other classifications used by accounting researchers. The causes of poor classification are examined; for example, some classifications are untrue, some are unfair and some are unlikely to be relevant for any important purpose. The implications for researchers are proposed.

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  • Nobes, Christopher, 2018. "Lessons from misclassification in international accounting," The British Accounting Review, Elsevier, vol. 50(3), pages 239-254.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:bracre:v:50:y:2018:i:3:p:239-254
    DOI: 10.1016/j.bar.2017.08.002
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    1. Elad, Charles & Shah, Neeta & Agyeman, Charles, 2023. "Accounting classification in the era of International Financial Reporting Standards: The case of Africa," Journal of International Accounting, Auditing and Taxation, Elsevier, vol. 51(C).
    2. Nobes, Christopher & Stadler, Christian, 2018. "Investigating international differences in financial reporting: Data problems and some proposed solutions," The British Accounting Review, Elsevier, vol. 50(6), pages 602-614.
    3. d'Arcy, Anne & Tarca, Ann, 2018. "Reviewing IFRS Goodwill Accounting Research: Implementation Effects and Cross-Country Differences," The International Journal of Accounting, Elsevier, vol. 53(3), pages 203-226.

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