Issues concerning web-based business reporting: an analysis of the views of interested parties

Beattie, V. and Pratt, K. (2003) Issues concerning web-based business reporting: an analysis of the views of interested parties. British Accounting Review, 35(2), pp. 155-187. (doi: 10.1016/S0890-8389(03)00016-7)

Abstract

Rapid developments in information and communications technology have led organisations in many countries to consider the impact of the Internet on the delivery and dissemination of business information. This paper reports the findings of a UK study into the views of various user groups, preparers and auditors regarding specific proposals for change and newly emerging practices. Over 500 individuals from six groups responded to a questionnaire study, representing an overall response rate of 33%. Views were elicited regarding: (i) the desirability of different kinds of additional information that could be provided electronically, (ii) the usefulness of different navigation and search aids, and (iii) the portability of information under different formats.It is found that users favour many of the expansions of scope made possible by the web. A range of navigation aids, search aids and file formats are found by all groups to be at least fairly useful, especially global navigation aids. Preferences regarding file formats vary across the groups. Paired group comparisons show that, while expert and non-expert users hold similar views in relation to many issues, users' and preparers' views differ considerably. Auditors' views generally fall in between those of users and preparers. Cyert and Ijiri's (1974) framework is used to rationalise the observed conflicts and congruences of interest, underpinning clear pointers for policy-makers.

• Item Type: Articles
• Additional Information: Final version as accepted by The British Accounting Review supplied by the author
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Beattie, Prof Vivien
• Authors: Beattie, V., and Pratt, K.
• Subjects: H Social Sciences > HF Commerce > HF5601 Accounting
• College/School: College of Social Sciences > Adam Smith Business School > Accounting and Finance
• Journal Name: British Accounting Review
• Publisher: Elsevier Ltd.
• ISSN: 1095-8347
• Copyright Holders: ©2003 Elsevier Ltd.
• First Published: First published in The British Accounting Review
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher