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The International Harmonization Process of Public Sector Accounting in Portugal: The Perspective of Different Stakeholders |
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| Authors: | Patrícia S. Gomes Maria José Fernandes João Baptista Da Costa Carvalho |
| Affiliation: | 1. Research Center on Accounting and Taxation (CICF), Polytechnic Institute of Cávado and Ave (IPCA), High Management School, Barcelos, Portugalpgomes@ipca.pt;3. Research Center on Accounting and Taxation (CICF), Polytechnic Institute of Cávado and Ave (IPCA), High Management School, Barcelos, Portugal;4. Research Center on Accounting and Taxation (CICF), Polytechnic Institute of Cávado and Ave (IPCA), Portuguese Commission for Public Accounting Harmonization, Barcelos, Portugal |
| Abstract: | This paper investigates the reform of public accounting in Portugal through the IPSAS adoption highlighting the perception of different stakeholders. Two competing theories (NPM and the institutional theory) are used to understand public accounting changes within the Portuguese context. In general, different stakeholders agree with the favorable moment and the context of the reform. The context of financial crises and the great external pressures to cut public deficits and to improve the quality of financial information seem to be the most important factors to stimulate changes in public accounting. In addition, stakeholders recommend the use of different strategies to ensure success. |
| Keywords: | public accounting reform Portuguese context institutional theory new public management (NPM) stakeholders’ perspective |