Abstract: This study examines the comparative impact of the Anglo-American and Continental European accounting models on the process of international accounting harmonization. Rooted in contrasting economic ideologies, with the Anglo-American model reflecting market-driven capitalism (Smith, 1776) and the Continental model reflecting state-oriented structures (Marx, 1867), these frameworks shape divergent approaches to financial reporting, regulation, and disclosure. Using a structured literature review and comparative analysis, the study explores key differences across legal systems, cultural influences, financing structures, and disclosure practices that affect the adoption and implementation of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). The Anglo-American model, characterized by transparency, flexibility, and strong professional independence, aligns closely with IFRS principles, facilitating smoother convergence (Alexander et al., 2003; PricewaterhouseCoopers, 2007). In contrast, the Continental model emphasizes conservatism, creditor protection, and statutory control, posing challenges to uniform IFRS adoption (Gray, 1988; Nobes & Parker, 1998). A simplified statistical analysis using ordinal scoring highlights consistent differences but reveals that quantitative disparities alone may not fully capture the complexities influencing harmonization. The findings suggest that while significant structural and cultural differences remain, targeted adaptation and institutional cooperation can enhance global harmonization efforts. This study contributes to the discourse on accounting convergence by clarifying how foundational systemic differences influence harmonization feasibility, providing insights for policymakers, multinational corporations, and educators navigating the evolving landscape of international financial reporting.
Keywords: international accounting, differences in accounting, accounting environment, harmonization, IFRS Convergence.
Title: The Impact of Anglo-American Accounting Model and the Continental Model on Potential Harmonization
Author: Ihejirika, Emmanuel
International Journal of Management and Commerce Innovations
ISSN 2348-7585 (Online)
Vol. 13, Issue 1, April 2025 - September 2025
Page No: 185-193
Research Publish Journals
Website: www.researchpublish.com
Published Date: 05-July-2025
