The Influence of Culture on Judgments of Accountants in Fiji

This study examines whether culture affects interpretation and application of International Accounting Standards (IAS) and International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). Specifically, it investigates the influence of culture on the propensity to frame and execute judgments by professional accountants from two different ethnic groups in Fiji (Fijians and Indo-Fijians) while applying selected IAS/IFRS. No significant differences in the propensity to make judgments or the nature of judgments formulated by the professional accountants were detected. The results suggest that one or more sources of professional influence serve to override the different cultural values of the two ethnic groups while providing judgments.