Ändamålet helgar medlen : En studie om korridormetoden och resultatstyrning

Sammanfattning: Abstract In compliance with the revised standard IAS 19 (“Employee Benefits”), pension accounting has undergone a change. The greatest difference is the compulsory abolishment of the ‘corridor approach’ which allowed for accrual accounting of pension debt. The revised standard, however, places actuarial gains and losses in other comprehensive income (OCI) and thusly affects equity. With the abolishment as of January 1 2013, certain technical accounting changes have an impact on companies’ financial reports. In accordance with previous research within this field, many have associated the corridor approach with earnings management, focusing on income smoothing. Furthermore, the actuarial assumptions that are used to calculate the present value of future pension obligations are very intangible and diffuse. The purpose of this research is to explain how actuarial estimations are conducted in order to proceed and investigate effects connected to the revisions in IAS 19. From here, we establish whether there are any potential substitutes for income smoothing. We use a deductive method for this problem. The paper deals with a qualitative approach, however, a few quantitative elements are present in purpose of enabling the reader to fully comprehend the material associated with actuarial assumptions. Empirical data derived from our conducted semi-structured interviews is then applied to our chosen theories. In the sampling process we apply triangulation in order to achieve an as multifaceted and objective view as possible. Through our research we can establish that there are several accounting-related changes, e.g. a shift in volatility between income statement and balance sheet, increased transparency and comparability. Our empirical findings also conclude that the corridor approach was a form of income smoothing, but our respondents remain sceptical towards potential future substitutes. Actuarial assumptions are, however, mentioned as a potential substitute. Key words: IAS 19, corridor approach, actuarial assumptions, income smoothing