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      XBRL: An (open) source of enlightenment or disillusion?

      Locke, Joanne; Lowe, Alan
      DOI
       10.1080/09638180701507163
      Link
       www.informaworld.com
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      Citation
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      Locke, J. & Lowe, A. (2007). XBRL: An (open) source of enlightenment or disillusion? European Accounting Review, 16(3), 585-623.
      Permanent Research Commons link: https://hdl.handle.net/10289/1975
      Abstract
      Extensible Business Reporting Language (XBRL) is being adopted by European regulators as a data standard for the exchange of business information. This paper examines the approach of XBRL International (XII) to the meta-data standard's development and diffusion. We theorise the development of XBRL using concepts drawn from a model of successful open source projects. Comparison of the open source model to XBRL enables us to identify a number of interesting similarities and differences. In common with open source projects, the benefits and progress of XBRL have been overstated and 'hyped' by enthusiastic participants. While XBRL is an open data standard in terms of access to the equivalent of its 'source code' we find that the governance structure of the XBRL consortium is significantly different to a model open source approach. The barrier to participation that is created by requiring paid membership and a focus on transacting business at physical conferences and meetings is identified as particularly critical. Decisions about the technical structure of XBRL, the regulator-led pattern of adoption and the organisation of XII are discussed. Finally areas for future research are identified.
      Date
      2007
      Type
      Journal Article
      Publisher
      Routledge
      Collections
      • Management Papers [1135]
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