Title: History and the Russian accounting transition

Authors: Robert H.S. Sarikas, Arsen M. Djatej

Addresses: School of Accountancy, College of Business, Ohio University, 610 Copeland Hall, Athens, OH 45701, USA. ' Department of History, Ohio University, Bentley Annex, Athens, OH 45701, USA

Abstract: The pace of Russian accounting reform towards international accounting standards has been a disappointment to many. Twentieth-century Russian history can help to provide some explanation for this slow pace. The corruption and deception of the Communist era has not given post-Communist Russia a tradition of transparency with which to approach accounting reform. The Yeltsin era has had many fundamental economic reforms initiated; however, the legacy of corruption and bureaucratic interference has continued. This continuation of corruption has discredited market economy-based reforms in the eyes of many Russians. This continuation of corruption has thus negatively impacted the pace of accounting reform. It is not clear if current announced deadlines for the adoption of international accounting standards will be met. However, it is expected that authentic accounting reform will take place eventually.

Keywords: Russia; accounting reform; corporate governance; communism; international accounting standards; transparency; corruption; bureaucratic interference.

DOI: 10.1504/IJAAPE.2005.006892

International Journal of Accounting, Auditing and Performance Evaluation, 2005 Vol.2 No.1/2, pp.54 - 66

Published online: 20 Apr 2005 *

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