On a Basis for International Comparisons of Governmental Accounting Systems: Models of an Economic Entity

Abstract

In the 1990s the research work carried out by persons engaged in the CIGAR initiative were largely focused on change in governmental accounting. This issue was analysed with respect to a model of change, measurement of the elements of accounting systems, and the structures of governmental financial reporting. Relatively little attention was devoted to the question of the nature, structure and function of the governmental sector reporting entity. These aspects were clearly regarded as self-evident. However, it seems that it is the nature, structure, function and social relations of governmental reporting entities that largely determine their accounting and reporting systems. Therefore definition of the nature, structure, functions and social relations of this type of entities ought to become a starting point in comparative studies on governmental systems of accounting and reporting.