The pros and cons of XBRL adoption in Italy: A field study

Our study responds to the call for more field-based research on XBRL focusing on the effects of its adoption with regard to: (i) knowledge and actual direct use of XBRL; (ii) existing limitations and future necessary improvements; and (iii) actual costs and benefits. In pursuit of these objectives, we have carried out a descriptive study based on interviews with different actors involved in the financial communication process in Italy, where the XBRL filing of financial statements has been mandatory for unlisted companies since 2009. Results suggest that five years of adoption have not led to a widespread awareness of XBRL features and potential benefits among professionals. Moreover, interviews highlight that so far the XBRL mandatory adoption has not achieved an overall substantial impact on real practice yet, if we exclude some financial statement users (e.g. financial analysts). Our findings have relevant implications for regulators, users, and companies as well.