Segment reporting: is IFRS 8 really better?

Aleksanyan, M. and Danbolt, J. (2015) Segment reporting: is IFRS 8 really better? Accounting in Europe, 12(1), pp. 37-60. (doi: 10.1080/17449480.2015.1027239)

Abstract

This paper contributes to the debate on segment reporting standards in the UK and Europe and, specifically, the merit of IFRS 8 relative to predecessor standards (SSAP 25 and IAS 14R). We carry out a longitudinal analysis of segment reporting practices of a large sample of listed UK companies, covering all three reporting regimes. Using the Proprietary Cost Theory (PCT) as our theoretical lens, we present evidence consistent with PCT, that proprietary costs considerations influence companies’ segment disclosure choices. We show that when companies are required to disclose more detailed accounting information for geographical segments (e.g., when geography is the basis of operating segments, under IFRS 8, or primary segments, under IAS 14R), they choose to define geographical segments in broader geographic areas terms than was the case under SSAP 25. We find that although companies disclose greater quantity of segmental information under IFRS 8 and IAS 14R (than SSAP 25), the more recent standards brought about a notable reduction in (i) the level of specificity of the disclosed geographical segments, and (ii) the quantity of disclosed geographic segment profit data – one of the most important data types for users. While this may have reduced the proprietary costs of segment disclosures, the reduction in disclosure of segmental performance data may have reduced the usefulness of segment reports to investors.

• Item Type: Articles
• Additional Information: This is an Accepted Manuscript of an article published by Taylor and Francis Group in Accounting in Europe on 12/05/15, available online: http://www.tandfonline.com/10.1080/17449480.2015.1027239.
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Aleksanyan, Dr Mark and Danbolt, Prof Jo
• Authors: Aleksanyan, M., and Danbolt, J.
• College/School: College of Social Sciences > Adam Smith Business School > Accounting and Finance
• Journal Name: Accounting in Europe
• Publisher: Routledge
• ISSN: 1744-9480
• ISSN (Online): 1744-9499
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2015 European Accounting Association