Pub Date : 2021-11-15DOI: 10.1108/qram-03-2021-0044
T. Ahrens
Purpose Expanding on an invited talk at the 1st Paper Development Workshop of the Qualitative Management Accounting Research Group, the purpose of this study is to offer some suggestions for developing qualitative accounting papers. Emphasis is put on the potential of qualitative research to situate evocative accounts of the organisational functionings of accounting in their wider social contexts. Design/methodology/approach To think about paper development as an exercise in communicating worthwhile findings to the readership by interweaving the researcher’s impressions of the field, recorded field material and different social theories to create qualitative accounting scholarship. Findings Qualitative accounting papers can, through the use of different theories, show the embedding of the organisational in the social. Development of qualitative accounting papers is an achievement that emerges in the process of writing. Practical implications Outlines five summary recommendations for paper development. Originality/value Reflects on paper development designed to create qualitative accounting research.
{"title":"Paper development in qualitative accounting research: bringing social contexts to life","authors":"T. Ahrens","doi":"10.1108/qram-03-2021-0044","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/qram-03-2021-0044","url":null,"abstract":"\u0000Purpose\u0000Expanding on an invited talk at the 1st Paper Development Workshop of the Qualitative Management Accounting Research Group, the purpose of this study is to offer some suggestions for developing qualitative accounting papers. Emphasis is put on the potential of qualitative research to situate evocative accounts of the organisational functionings of accounting in their wider social contexts.\u0000\u0000\u0000Design/methodology/approach\u0000To think about paper development as an exercise in communicating worthwhile findings to the readership by interweaving the researcher’s impressions of the field, recorded field material and different social theories to create qualitative accounting scholarship.\u0000\u0000\u0000Findings\u0000Qualitative accounting papers can, through the use of different theories, show the embedding of the organisational in the social. Development of qualitative accounting papers is an achievement that emerges in the process of writing.\u0000\u0000\u0000Practical implications\u0000Outlines five summary recommendations for paper development.\u0000\u0000\u0000Originality/value\u0000Reflects on paper development designed to create qualitative accounting research.\u0000","PeriodicalId":46537,"journal":{"name":"Qualitative Research in Accounting and Management","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2021-11-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"90652841","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"管理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2021-11-12DOI: 10.1108/qram-02-2021-0032
Rosanna Spanò, Andrea Tomo, L. Parker
Purpose This paper aims to understand how training programs fostering discourses centred on individuals’ identity construction may turn resistance into a generative and enabling force to elicit more relationally and negotiated solutions of change. Design/methodology/approach The study used Foucault’s conceptualisation of “regimes of truth” to show how even potentially resistant public managers may generatively contribute to change processes if given the chance to restate the macro discourses of the hegemonic new public management movement at their own micro level. It relied upon an ethnographic approach based on verbal interviews, photo-elicitation, DiSC behavioural tests and observation of 29 Italian public managers participating in a training course. Findings The findings allow us to unveil how helping public managers to think about their self-identity in new ways enabled them to approach changing processes differently turning their resistance efforts into a generative force. Originality/value The paper offers a noteworthy contribution to the literature on public sector change by examining neglected issues relating to the identity of change agents and the implications of their multiple roles. It presents an alternative to the deterministic view of resistance as impeding or dysfunctionally shaping change under the new public management approach. This has important implications for both practice and policymaking.
{"title":"Shifting identities in the public sector: portraying the “new” public manager in the Italian setting","authors":"Rosanna Spanò, Andrea Tomo, L. Parker","doi":"10.1108/qram-02-2021-0032","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/qram-02-2021-0032","url":null,"abstract":"\u0000Purpose\u0000This paper aims to understand how training programs fostering discourses centred on individuals’ identity construction may turn resistance into a generative and enabling force to elicit more relationally and negotiated solutions of change.\u0000\u0000\u0000Design/methodology/approach\u0000The study used Foucault’s conceptualisation of “regimes of truth” to show how even potentially resistant public managers may generatively contribute to change processes if given the chance to restate the macro discourses of the hegemonic new public management movement at their own micro level. It relied upon an ethnographic approach based on verbal interviews, photo-elicitation, DiSC behavioural tests and observation of 29 Italian public managers participating in a training course.\u0000\u0000\u0000Findings\u0000The findings allow us to unveil how helping public managers to think about their self-identity in new ways enabled them to approach changing processes differently turning their resistance efforts into a generative force.\u0000\u0000\u0000Originality/value\u0000The paper offers a noteworthy contribution to the literature on public sector change by examining neglected issues relating to the identity of change agents and the implications of their multiple roles. It presents an alternative to the deterministic view of resistance as impeding or dysfunctionally shaping change under the new public management approach. This has important implications for both practice and policymaking.\u0000","PeriodicalId":46537,"journal":{"name":"Qualitative Research in Accounting and Management","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2021-11-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"83631285","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"管理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2021-10-24DOI: 10.1108/QRAM-04-2021-0059
Adriana Tiron-Tudor, D. Deliu
{"title":"Reflections on the human-algorithm complex duality perspectives in the auditing process","authors":"Adriana Tiron-Tudor, D. Deliu","doi":"10.1108/QRAM-04-2021-0059","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/QRAM-04-2021-0059","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":46537,"journal":{"name":"Qualitative Research in Accounting and Management","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2021-10-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"90636601","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"管理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2021-10-23DOI: 10.1108/qram-08-2020-0128
Nick Sciulli, D. Adhariani
Purpose It is 10 years since the International Integrated Reporting Council (IIRC) was founded and the development of the IIRC Framework has been adopted by thousands of organisations. This paper aims to provide empirical evidence on the motivation for the preparation of integrated reports from a diffusion of innovation (DOI) perspective. Design/methodology/approach Three case study organisations operating in distinct industry sectors are investigated to ascertain the motivation for the adoption of integrated reporting. DOI theory was adopted as the theoretical lens to guide the research design. An interpretative approach is used to ascertain common themes from an analysis of semi-structured interview transcripts of senior managers and directors. Findings The findings from these case studies support the main tenets of DOIs theory. The evidence suggests that senior executive leadership plays a significant role in commencing the integrated reporting “journey”. This study finds evidence of DOI characteristics, such as relative advantage, compatibility and observability with respect to the objectives of senior managers. The main motivations for the production of the integrated report were to demonstrate leadership and innovation to stakeholders, overcome the perceived inadequacies of the disclosures required for traditional annual reports, to enhance transparency and to satisfy the changing demands of investors and other stakeholders. Research limitations/implications This project captures the perceptions and views of preparers of the integrated report rather than its users. In addition, only three case study sites were investigated, therefore, generalisations would be spurious. Practical implications Other organisations yet to consider the production of integrated reports or to re-assess their stakeholder relationships, could use these findings to plan for their own future reporting obligations. Originality/value The organisations investigated were a superannuation fund, a multinational company and a charity. All are recognised leaders in their respective industries.
{"title":"An exploration of the motivating factors for the preparation of an integrated report in contextual settings","authors":"Nick Sciulli, D. Adhariani","doi":"10.1108/qram-08-2020-0128","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/qram-08-2020-0128","url":null,"abstract":"\u0000Purpose\u0000It is 10 years since the International Integrated Reporting Council (IIRC) was founded and the development of the IIRC Framework has been adopted by thousands of organisations. This paper aims to provide empirical evidence on the motivation for the preparation of integrated reports from a diffusion of innovation (DOI) perspective.\u0000\u0000\u0000Design/methodology/approach\u0000Three case study organisations operating in distinct industry sectors are investigated to ascertain the motivation for the adoption of integrated reporting. DOI theory was adopted as the theoretical lens to guide the research design. An interpretative approach is used to ascertain common themes from an analysis of semi-structured interview transcripts of senior managers and directors.\u0000\u0000\u0000Findings\u0000The findings from these case studies support the main tenets of DOIs theory. The evidence suggests that senior executive leadership plays a significant role in commencing the integrated reporting “journey”. This study finds evidence of DOI characteristics, such as relative advantage, compatibility and observability with respect to the objectives of senior managers. The main motivations for the production of the integrated report were to demonstrate leadership and innovation to stakeholders, overcome the perceived inadequacies of the disclosures required for traditional annual reports, to enhance transparency and to satisfy the changing demands of investors and other stakeholders.\u0000\u0000\u0000Research limitations/implications\u0000This project captures the perceptions and views of preparers of the integrated report rather than its users. In addition, only three case study sites were investigated, therefore, generalisations would be spurious.\u0000\u0000\u0000Practical implications\u0000Other organisations yet to consider the production of integrated reports or to re-assess their stakeholder relationships, could use these findings to plan for their own future reporting obligations.\u0000\u0000\u0000Originality/value\u0000The organisations investigated were a superannuation fund, a multinational company and a charity. All are recognised leaders in their respective industries.\u0000","PeriodicalId":46537,"journal":{"name":"Qualitative Research in Accounting and Management","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2021-10-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"80669883","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"管理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2021-10-04DOI: 10.1108/qram-09-2019-0093
J. Liboriussen, Hanne Nørreklit, Mihaela Trenca
Purpose This paper aims to address a dilemma raised in the accounting literature on how managers of creative practices can produce and use accounting measurements that support employees’ self-determination to create whilst also building trust in them to work for the interests of the organisation. Design/methodology/approach Using pragmatic constructivism as a paradigmatic setting, the paper develops a learning method of trust building as a way for organisations to produce and use accounting measurements. Empirical analysis of the European Capital of Culture Aarhus 2017 demonstrates the method in action. Findings The study displays a learning method of trust building as an effective way for organisations to account for their creative practices without intruding on the creative process of the people involved. The method involves proactive judgement and pragmatic observation of the trustworthiness of the actors’ language games, construction of quality in the conceptual structures of management narratives and measurement models, and learning that narrows the gap between the actors’ proactive judgement and the pragmatic observation of trustworthiness. Through such processes, including principles of truth, dialogical interactions, ongoing reflections and co-authorship, trust can be built in self-determining, creative actors to drive intentional results. Research limitations/implications The learning method of trust building extends the literature on trust building and on knowledge processes of performance measurement of actors in creative practices. Originality/value This is the first attempt in the accounting literature to develop a learning method of trust building.
{"title":"A learning method of trust building: beyond the performance management of artistic events","authors":"J. Liboriussen, Hanne Nørreklit, Mihaela Trenca","doi":"10.1108/qram-09-2019-0093","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/qram-09-2019-0093","url":null,"abstract":"\u0000Purpose\u0000This paper aims to address a dilemma raised in the accounting literature on how managers of creative practices can produce and use accounting measurements that support employees’ self-determination to create whilst also building trust in them to work for the interests of the organisation.\u0000\u0000\u0000Design/methodology/approach\u0000Using pragmatic constructivism as a paradigmatic setting, the paper develops a learning method of trust building as a way for organisations to produce and use accounting measurements. Empirical analysis of the European Capital of Culture Aarhus 2017 demonstrates the method in action.\u0000\u0000\u0000Findings\u0000The study displays a learning method of trust building as an effective way for organisations to account for their creative practices without intruding on the creative process of the people involved. The method involves proactive judgement and pragmatic observation of the trustworthiness of the actors’ language games, construction of quality in the conceptual structures of management narratives and measurement models, and learning that narrows the gap between the actors’ proactive judgement and the pragmatic observation of trustworthiness. Through such processes, including principles of truth, dialogical interactions, ongoing reflections and co-authorship, trust can be built in self-determining, creative actors to drive intentional results.\u0000\u0000\u0000Research limitations/implications\u0000The learning method of trust building extends the literature on trust building and on knowledge processes of performance measurement of actors in creative practices.\u0000\u0000\u0000Originality/value\u0000This is the first attempt in the accounting literature to develop a learning method of trust building.\u0000","PeriodicalId":46537,"journal":{"name":"Qualitative Research in Accounting and Management","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2021-10-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"87631275","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"管理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2021-09-27DOI: 10.1108/qram-01-2017-0003
Riccardo Giannetti, Lino Cinquini, P. M. Vitali, Falconer Mitchell
Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate how a substantial organization gradually builds a management accounting system from scratch, changing its accounting routines by learning processes. The paper uses the experiential learning theory and the concept of learning style to investigate the learning process during management accounting change. The study aims to expand the domain of management accounting change theory to emphasize the learning-related aspects that can constitute it. Design/methodology/approach The paper provides an interpretation of management accounting change based on the model of problem management proposed by Kolb (1983) and the theory of experiential learning (Kolb, 1976, 1984). The study is based on a 14-year longitudinal case study (1994‐2007). The case examined can be considered a theory illustration case. Data were obtained from a broad variety of sources including interviews, document analysis and adopting an interventionist approach during the redesign of the costing system. Findings The paper contributes to two important aspects of management accounting change. First, it becomes apparent that the costing information change was not a discrete event but a process of experience and learning conducted through several iterations of trial-and-error loops that extended over the years. Second, the findings reveal that the learning process can alter management accounting system design in a radical or incremental way according to the learning style of the people involved in the process of change. Research limitations/implications Because of the adopted research approach, results could be extended only to other organizations presenting similar characteristics. Several further areas of research are suggested by the findings of this paper. In particular, it would be of interest to investigate the links between learning styles and communication and its effect on management accounting change. Practical implications The paper includes implications for the management of learning during management accounting change, to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of this process. Originality/value This paper is one response to the call for an interdisciplinary research approach to the management accounting change phenomena using a “method theory” taken from the discipline of management to provide an explanation of the change in management accounting. In respect of the previous literature, it provides two main contributions, namely, the proposal of a model useful both to interpret and manage learning processes; the effect of learning style on management accounting routines change.
{"title":"Management accounting change as a learning process: a longitudinal analysis","authors":"Riccardo Giannetti, Lino Cinquini, P. M. Vitali, Falconer Mitchell","doi":"10.1108/qram-01-2017-0003","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/qram-01-2017-0003","url":null,"abstract":"\u0000Purpose\u0000The purpose of this paper is to investigate how a substantial organization gradually builds a management accounting system from scratch, changing its accounting routines by learning processes. The paper uses the experiential learning theory and the concept of learning style to investigate the learning process during management accounting change. The study aims to expand the domain of management accounting change theory to emphasize the learning-related aspects that can constitute it.\u0000\u0000\u0000Design/methodology/approach\u0000The paper provides an interpretation of management accounting change based on the model of problem management proposed by Kolb (1983) and the theory of experiential learning (Kolb, 1976, 1984). The study is based on a 14-year longitudinal case study (1994‐2007). The case examined can be considered a theory illustration case. Data were obtained from a broad variety of sources including interviews, document analysis and adopting an interventionist approach during the redesign of the costing system.\u0000\u0000\u0000Findings\u0000The paper contributes to two important aspects of management accounting change. First, it becomes apparent that the costing information change was not a discrete event but a process of experience and learning conducted through several iterations of trial-and-error loops that extended over the years. Second, the findings reveal that the learning process can alter management accounting system design in a radical or incremental way according to the learning style of the people involved in the process of change.\u0000\u0000\u0000Research limitations/implications\u0000Because of the adopted research approach, results could be extended only to other organizations presenting similar characteristics. Several further areas of research are suggested by the findings of this paper. In particular, it would be of interest to investigate the links between learning styles and communication and its effect on management accounting change.\u0000\u0000\u0000Practical implications\u0000The paper includes implications for the management of learning during management accounting change, to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of this process.\u0000\u0000\u0000Originality/value\u0000This paper is one response to the call for an interdisciplinary research approach to the management accounting change phenomena using a “method theory” taken from the discipline of management to provide an explanation of the change in management accounting. In respect of the previous literature, it provides two main contributions, namely, the proposal of a model useful both to interpret and manage learning processes; the effect of learning style on management accounting routines change.\u0000","PeriodicalId":46537,"journal":{"name":"Qualitative Research in Accounting and Management","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2021-09-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"72651731","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"管理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2021-09-13DOI: 10.1108/qram-05-2020-0061
Saidatul Nurul Hidayah Jannatun Naim Nor Ahmad, A. Amran, A. Siti-Nabiha
Purpose This paper aims to explore how a Malaysian palm oil company responded to the pressure for change towards sustainability in their sustainability reporting of negative incidents and in actual sustainability practices. Design/methodology/approach The study used qualitative methodology through an interpretive case study of a palm company. The study gathered primary and secondary data via semi-structured interviews with key organisational members and non-governmental organisations (NGOs), informal conversations, focus groups, document/annual report content analyses and observations. Symbolic and substantive management was used as the theoretical lens to explain the findings. Findings After experiencing a series of negative events regarding their social and environmental performance, the case company responded by using selective disclosure and a symbolic/legitimising strategy to address the majority of recurring negative events. In actual practice, the company changed structurally but policy-implementation gaps remain despite these changes. Strategically, the company changed in terms of its expansion policy but remained unchanged in traceability issues. The increased awareness of sustainability in the company’s culture appeared to suffer in favour of profit and cost/efficiency considerations that remain prominent. Both substantive and symbolic changes were found in both reports and practice but were more inclined to be symbolic. Practical implications The study provides guidelines for companies changing towards sustainability in both practice and reporting, in their effort to contribute to sustainable development goals. Originality/value The study provides evidence of symbolic and substantive changes as complementing activities instead of a dichotomy, which was mostly assumed in previous literature and suggests companies adopt a combination of these depending on the severity of sustainability-related issues, level of scrutiny and cost/efficiency considerations.
{"title":"Symbolic or substantive change? How a Malaysian palm oil company managed sustainability issues in words and deeds","authors":"Saidatul Nurul Hidayah Jannatun Naim Nor Ahmad, A. Amran, A. Siti-Nabiha","doi":"10.1108/qram-05-2020-0061","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/qram-05-2020-0061","url":null,"abstract":"\u0000Purpose\u0000This paper aims to explore how a Malaysian palm oil company responded to the pressure for change towards sustainability in their sustainability reporting of negative incidents and in actual sustainability practices.\u0000\u0000\u0000Design/methodology/approach\u0000The study used qualitative methodology through an interpretive case study of a palm company. The study gathered primary and secondary data via semi-structured interviews with key organisational members and non-governmental organisations (NGOs), informal conversations, focus groups, document/annual report content analyses and observations. Symbolic and substantive management was used as the theoretical lens to explain the findings.\u0000\u0000\u0000Findings\u0000After experiencing a series of negative events regarding their social and environmental performance, the case company responded by using selective disclosure and a symbolic/legitimising strategy to address the majority of recurring negative events. In actual practice, the company changed structurally but policy-implementation gaps remain despite these changes. Strategically, the company changed in terms of its expansion policy but remained unchanged in traceability issues. The increased awareness of sustainability in the company’s culture appeared to suffer in favour of profit and cost/efficiency considerations that remain prominent. Both substantive and symbolic changes were found in both reports and practice but were more inclined to be symbolic.\u0000\u0000\u0000Practical implications\u0000The study provides guidelines for companies changing towards sustainability in both practice and reporting, in their effort to contribute to sustainable development goals.\u0000\u0000\u0000Originality/value\u0000The study provides evidence of symbolic and substantive changes as complementing activities instead of a dichotomy, which was mostly assumed in previous literature and suggests companies adopt a combination of these depending on the severity of sustainability-related issues, level of scrutiny and cost/efficiency considerations.\u0000","PeriodicalId":46537,"journal":{"name":"Qualitative Research in Accounting and Management","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2021-09-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"79281375","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"管理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2021-09-13DOI: 10.1108/qram-06-2020-0088
D. Dissanayake, C. Tilt, W. Qian
Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore how sustainability reporting is shaped by the global influences and particular national context where businesses operate. Design/methodology/approach The paper uses both content analysis of published sustainability information and semi-structured interviews with corporate managers to explore how sustainability reporting is used to address unique social and environmental challenges in a developing country – Sri Lanka. The use of integrative social contracts theory in investigating sustainability reporting offers novel insights into understanding the drivers for sustainability reporting practices in this particular country. Findings The findings reveal that managers’ perceptions about usefulness of sustainability reporting, local contextual challenges and global norms influence the extent to which companies engage in sustainability reporting and the nature of sustainability information reported. In particular, Sri Lankan company managers strive to undertake sustainability projects that are beneficial not only to their companies but also to the development of the country. However, while company managers in Sri Lanka are keen to undertake sustainability reporting, they face different tensions/expectations between global expectations and local contextual factors when undertaking sustainability projects and reporting. This is also showcased in what is ultimately reported in company annual reports, where some aspects of sustainability, e.g. social, tend to focus more on addressing local concerns whereas other disclosures are on issues that may be relevant across many contexts. Research limitations/implications Important insights for government and other regulatory authorities can be drawn from the findings of this study. By capitalising on the strong sense of moral duty felt by company managers, policymakers can involve the business sector more to mitigate the social and environmental issues prevalent in Sri Lanka. The findings can also be used by other developing countries to enable pathways to engage with the corporate sector to contribute to national development agendas through their sustainability initiatives and projects. Originality/value While the usual understanding of developing country’s company managers is that they try to follow global trends, in Sri Lanka, this research shows how managers are trying to align their responsibilities at a national level with global principles regarding sustainability reporting. Therefore, this paper highlights how both hypernorms and microsocial rules can interact to define how company managers undertake sustainability reporting in a developing country.
{"title":"How do public companies respond to national challenges through sustainability reporting? – The case of Sri Lanka","authors":"D. Dissanayake, C. Tilt, W. Qian","doi":"10.1108/qram-06-2020-0088","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/qram-06-2020-0088","url":null,"abstract":"\u0000Purpose\u0000The purpose of this paper is to explore how sustainability reporting is shaped by the global influences and particular national context where businesses operate.\u0000\u0000\u0000Design/methodology/approach\u0000The paper uses both content analysis of published sustainability information and semi-structured interviews with corporate managers to explore how sustainability reporting is used to address unique social and environmental challenges in a developing country – Sri Lanka. The use of integrative social contracts theory in investigating sustainability reporting offers novel insights into understanding the drivers for sustainability reporting practices in this particular country.\u0000\u0000\u0000Findings\u0000The findings reveal that managers’ perceptions about usefulness of sustainability reporting, local contextual challenges and global norms influence the extent to which companies engage in sustainability reporting and the nature of sustainability information reported. In particular, Sri Lankan company managers strive to undertake sustainability projects that are beneficial not only to their companies but also to the development of the country. However, while company managers in Sri Lanka are keen to undertake sustainability reporting, they face different tensions/expectations between global expectations and local contextual factors when undertaking sustainability projects and reporting. This is also showcased in what is ultimately reported in company annual reports, where some aspects of sustainability, e.g. social, tend to focus more on addressing local concerns whereas other disclosures are on issues that may be relevant across many contexts.\u0000\u0000\u0000Research limitations/implications\u0000Important insights for government and other regulatory authorities can be drawn from the findings of this study. By capitalising on the strong sense of moral duty felt by company managers, policymakers can involve the business sector more to mitigate the social and environmental issues prevalent in Sri Lanka. The findings can also be used by other developing countries to enable pathways to engage with the corporate sector to contribute to national development agendas through their sustainability initiatives and projects.\u0000\u0000\u0000Originality/value\u0000While the usual understanding of developing country’s company managers is that they try to follow global trends, in Sri Lanka, this research shows how managers are trying to align their responsibilities at a national level with global principles regarding sustainability reporting. Therefore, this paper highlights how both hypernorms and microsocial rules can interact to define how company managers undertake sustainability reporting in a developing country.\u0000","PeriodicalId":46537,"journal":{"name":"Qualitative Research in Accounting and Management","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2021-09-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"77532503","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"管理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2021-09-01DOI: 10.1108/QRAM-05-2021-0093
Cherrie Yang, S. O’Leary, Helen Tregidga
Purpose In addition to introducing the papers that contribute to the special issue on “Accounting for Social Impact”, the purpose of this editorial is to prompt critical reflection and discussion on the concept of social impact in accounting research and practice. Design/methodology/approach This editorial draws on Alvesson and Blom’s (2021) hembig concept to frame the discussion. After briefly introducing the hembig concept, we discuss social impact in accounting research and practice in relation to it before reflecting on potential implications. We then introduce the contributions to this special issue. Findings While we argue that social impact in accounting is not a hembig concept, we suggest that it is potentially at risk of becoming one. In light of this discussion, we identify the importance of conceptual clarity in the use of social impact within accounting research and practice, given the potential for conceptual ambiguity. Research limitations/implications The editorial aims, which are reflected in this special issue, are not only to stimulate qualitative research on accounting for social impact but to also encourage further critical engagement with the concept and its use. We suggest that the concept of social impact and its use within accounting research and practice would benefit from further conversations and critical reflection. Originality/value We consider the concept of social impact within accounting in relation to the hembig concept.
{"title":"Social impact in accounting: is it at risk of becoming a hembig concept and does this matter?","authors":"Cherrie Yang, S. O’Leary, Helen Tregidga","doi":"10.1108/QRAM-05-2021-0093","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/QRAM-05-2021-0093","url":null,"abstract":"\u0000Purpose\u0000In addition to introducing the papers that contribute to the special issue on “Accounting for Social Impact”, the purpose of this editorial is to prompt critical reflection and discussion on the concept of social impact in accounting research and practice.\u0000\u0000\u0000Design/methodology/approach\u0000This editorial draws on Alvesson and Blom’s (2021) hembig concept to frame the discussion. After briefly introducing the hembig concept, we discuss social impact in accounting research and practice in relation to it before reflecting on potential implications. We then introduce the contributions to this special issue.\u0000\u0000\u0000Findings\u0000While we argue that social impact in accounting is not a hembig concept, we suggest that it is potentially at risk of becoming one. In light of this discussion, we identify the importance of conceptual clarity in the use of social impact within accounting research and practice, given the potential for conceptual ambiguity.\u0000\u0000\u0000Research limitations/implications\u0000The editorial aims, which are reflected in this special issue, are not only to stimulate qualitative research on accounting for social impact but to also encourage further critical engagement with the concept and its use. We suggest that the concept of social impact and its use within accounting research and practice would benefit from further conversations and critical reflection.\u0000\u0000\u0000Originality/value\u0000We consider the concept of social impact within accounting in relation to the hembig concept.\u0000","PeriodicalId":46537,"journal":{"name":"Qualitative Research in Accounting and Management","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2021-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"76459451","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"管理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2021-08-28DOI: 10.1108/qram-08-2020-0140
Berit Hartmann
Purpose The purpose of this study is to shed light on the tools, processes and negotiations involved in the formation of acceptable current values in the context of goodwill impairment testing. The study raises the questions of how a current value for goodwill becomes a faithful representation and how one expectation about the future becomes more convincing than other expectations. Design/methodology/approach Drawing on the study of associations, the analysis presents a case study of a large, internationally active organisation. By combining field notes, interview transcripts and a variety of documents, the qualitative analysis focusses on strategies and mechanisms of persuasion. Findings The findings reveal how epistemological objectivity of current values forms in three moments of relational becoming that codify, depersonalise and proceduralise the valuation task. Further, the study suggests that a convincing argument forms with the help of four enablers: a bricolage of inscriptions, methodological mystification, transformed professional identities and a practical need for closure. Originality/value The study contributes with an analysis and illustration of financial accounting as practice, elaborating on the meaning and construction of faithful representation in cases of measurement uncertainty.
{"title":"Current value as relational becoming: the case of goodwill impairment testing","authors":"Berit Hartmann","doi":"10.1108/qram-08-2020-0140","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/qram-08-2020-0140","url":null,"abstract":"\u0000Purpose\u0000The purpose of this study is to shed light on the tools, processes and negotiations involved in the formation of acceptable current values in the context of goodwill impairment testing. The study raises the questions of how a current value for goodwill becomes a faithful representation and how one expectation about the future becomes more convincing than other expectations.\u0000\u0000\u0000Design/methodology/approach\u0000Drawing on the study of associations, the analysis presents a case study of a large, internationally active organisation. By combining field notes, interview transcripts and a variety of documents, the qualitative analysis focusses on strategies and mechanisms of persuasion.\u0000\u0000\u0000Findings\u0000The findings reveal how epistemological objectivity of current values forms in three moments of relational becoming that codify, depersonalise and proceduralise the valuation task. Further, the study suggests that a convincing argument forms with the help of four enablers: a bricolage of inscriptions, methodological mystification, transformed professional identities and a practical need for closure.\u0000\u0000\u0000Originality/value\u0000The study contributes with an analysis and illustration of financial accounting as practice, elaborating on the meaning and construction of faithful representation in cases of measurement uncertainty.\u0000","PeriodicalId":46537,"journal":{"name":"Qualitative Research in Accounting and Management","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2021-08-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"77933412","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"管理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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