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Determinants of the voluntary adoption of digital reporting by small private companies to Companies House: Evidence from the UK

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  • Alkhatib, Esra'a
  • Ojala, Hannu
  • Collis, Jill

Abstract

This study examines the factors that influence the voluntary adoption of the digital reporting of the statutory accounts and returns to the company registry (Companies House) by small private companies in the UK. We analyse survey data from 343 members of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants working in small companies or in practices with small company clients in the UK. The data is examined using statistical methods, mainly PLS-SEM. Our results show the following factors positively influence the voluntary adoption of digital reporting by small private companies: the relative advantage from standardisation benefits, the company's technology competence and support from top management. We also provide evidence that the complexity of the company's accounting system and technology costs inversely influence this voluntary adoption. The study contributes to the emerging literature by expanding our understanding of how the standardisation of financial information flows benefits small private companies. The results should be of interest to small companies and their accountants, regulators in the UK and other jurisdictions planning digital reporting initiatives or seeking to reduce administrative burdens on smaller entities.

Suggested Citation

  • Alkhatib, Esra'a & Ojala, Hannu & Collis, Jill, 2019. "Determinants of the voluntary adoption of digital reporting by small private companies to Companies House: Evidence from the UK," International Journal of Accounting Information Systems, Elsevier, vol. 34(C), pages 1-1.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:ijoais:v:34:y:2019:i:c:4
    DOI: 10.1016/j.accinf.2019.06.004
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    2. Mohammad Soltani Delgosha & Tahereh Saheb & Nastaran Hajiheydari, 2021. "Modelling the Asymmetrical Relationships between Digitalisation and Sustainable Competitiveness: A Cross-Country Configurational Analysis," Information Systems Frontiers, Springer, vol. 23(5), pages 1317-1337, September.
    3. Valentinetti, Diego & Flores Muñoz, Francisco, 2021. "Internet of things: Emerging impacts on digital reporting," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 131(C), pages 549-562.
    4. Pedroso, Elsa & Gomes, Carlos F., 2024. "Disentangling the effects of top management on management accounting systems utilization," International Journal of Accounting Information Systems, Elsevier, vol. 53(C).
    5. Mohammad Soltani Delgosha & Tahereh Saheb & Nastaran Hajiheydari, 0. "Modelling the Asymmetrical Relationships between Digitalisation and Sustainable Competitiveness: A Cross-Country Configurational Analysis," Information Systems Frontiers, Springer, vol. 0, pages 1-21.
    6. Miścikowska Daria, 2022. "An Exploratory Study on Preparers’ Perception of ESEF Reporting: Evidence from the Warsaw Stock Exchange," Folia Oeconomica Stetinensia, Sciendo, vol. 22(1), pages 191-218, June.

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