The Impact of the Application of International Accounting Standard 34 (IAS 34) on the Industrial Public Shareholding Companies’ Sector in Jordan

Abstract

This study aims at identifying the extent to which IAS 34 (Interim financial reporting) is applied in the Jordanian public shareholding companies, along with highlighting the impact of its application on individual investors at these companies. Study population consists of all Jordanian public shareholding industrial companies (45 companies) listed at Amman Stock Exchange. Due to the large number of the study population, preparers of financial statements (employees of companies), and individual investors, we have selected a simple random sample. The total number of preparers of financial statements (employees), and individual investors were (500) individuals who were selected for the sample. The results showed that all companies are committed to issue and publish interim financial reports within the period specified for that purpose. There is a statistically significant relationship between the variables relevant to the company including (the firm's nature, profitability, and age) and the compliance with issuing the reports and the information content of the financial statements. Moreover there are statistically significant differences in the extent to which IAS 34 is applied in the Jordanian public shareholding companies. These differences arise due to the personal and occupational characteristics of the preparers of financial statements (gender, age, qualification, position, and experience).