THE MODERATING ROLE OF FIRM TRANSPARENCY IN INCREASING THE IMPACT OF IFRS ADOPTION ON THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS COMPARABILITY: A CASE STUDY ON NORTH AFRICAN COUNTRIES

Objective: This study investigates how firm transparency affects the relationship between adopting International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and the comparability of financial statements in North African countries.   Theoretical Framework: The research is grounded in agency theory, suggesting increased transparency reduces information asymmetry between firms and stakeholders.   Method: The study employs a quantitative research design, using data from publicly traded companies in North Africa. A multiple PLS-SEM analysis is conducted to examine the interaction between firm transparency and IFRS adoption, and their combined effect on financial statement comparability. Data sources include financial reports and transparency indices over five years.   Results and Discussion: The findings indicate that while IFRS adoption alone improves financial statement comparability, the effect is significantly stronger for firms with higher levels of transparency. Transparent firms benefit more from IFRS adoption, as stakeholders find it easier to compare financial statements across different firms. The study highlights that transparency acts as a crucial moderating variable, amplifying the positive impacts of IFRS on comparability.   Research Implications: The results underscore the importance of enhancing firm transparency in conjunction with adopting IFRS to maximize financial reporting benefits. Policymakers and regulators in North African countries should focus on promoting transparency to support more effective financial reporting and decision-making.   Originality/Value: This research contributes to the limited literature on IFRS adoption in developing regions, particularly in North Africa. It provides new insights into how transparency influences the effectiveness of international accounting standards, offering valuable implications for both researchers and practitioners.