Users’ perceptions of various aspects of Malaysian internet financial reporting

Abstract

The present study seeks to empirically investigate the perceptions of users of corporate annual report on the various aspects of internet financial reporting (IFR). Further, this paper examines the factors that influence companies in Malaysia to engage in IFR. Finally, perceptions of advantages and problems in using this new technology for financial reporting were also examined. The perceptions of users of corporate annual report were solicited using a survey mailed questionnaire of four different user-groups. The findings of this study suggested three main benefits to companies that engage in IFR: attracting foreign investors, promoting company wider to the public, and providing wider coverage. The findings also revealed that three main benefits to the users who collect financial information of companies via their website are: increasing timeliness and efficiency in obtaining financial information, making investment decision process easier and faster, and providing information for company inexpensively. The outcome of the analysis revealed that three factors that are perceived as important by responding firms to engage in IFR: enhancing corporate image, company teller with the technology development, and competitors in the industry. The findings also suggested three factors that inhibit firms from engaging in IFR: The required expertise from the company, the need to keep information updated to be of use, and the concern over security of information. Another important result revealed the increased information and analysis as the most important advantages from financial reporting on the Internet. Moreover, security problems are the disadvantages of placing financial information on the Internet. The evidence on Malaysia is relevant to other emerging capital markets. Finally, the implication of research findings and future research will also be discussed.