So far we discussed the incentives to possibly influence the accounting numbers. If we consider the academic research on the variables which influence the accounting discretion available to management, we observe that Sabena uses Belgian GAA for its individual accounts. The group accounts are prepared according to Belgian GAAP until 1998 and from 1999 onwards Sabena issues group accounts in compliance with IFRS. Sabena is characterized by a concentrated ownership and Belgium is a code law country. In the next part of the case, we focus on the methods used to influence accounting numbers.
Accounting choices In this section we illustrate several choices which influenced the accounting numbers published.