Disclosure of segment information in accordance with the operating segment standard : the case of Borsa Istanbuli

Abstract

In this competitive environment where economy has been witnessing profound changes for the last couple of years, numerous companies have been forced to operate in different geographical areas and in various lines of work. In this period during which the segment information has proved to be very critical, the need for accounting standards has become much more evident. Based on the Operating Segments Standard, this study aims to review the segment reporting procedures of the companies that are traded on Borsa Istanbul and identify the factors affecting the disclosure of segment information. The disclosure level of the segment information is analyzed by means of the disclosure index formed under the items subject to compulsory disclosure in the Turkish Financial Reporting Standards-8. It has been revealed that nearly 29% of the companies registered in the BIST All Shares have carried out segment reporting procedures. By making use of the multiple linear regression model, this study seeks to identify the characteristics of the companies which disclosed their level of segment information. Being statistically significant, this model has suggested that there is a significant positive correlation between the disclosure level of segment information and the firm size and leverage ratio.