An analysis of the factors affecting the adoption of international accounting standards by developing countries

The purpose of this study is to identify the factors that could explain the adoption of international accounting standards by developing countries. The following factors have been selected: economic growth, education level, the degree of external economic openness, cultural membership in a group of countries, and the existence of a capital market. Our results indicate that developing countries with the highest literacy rates, that have capital markets, and that have an Anglo-American culture are the most likely to adopt international accounting standards. Crown Copyright (C) 2006 Published by University of Illinois. All rights reserved.