Strategy, enrolment and accounting: the politics of strategic ideas

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to use Actor Network Theory to explore the role of management accounting systems (MAS) in the construction of business strategy.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper draws on findings from an ethnographic study of a UK‐based firm. Theoretical concepts from Actor‐Network Theory are used to illuminate the findings of the study.

Findings

The study found that MAS acted as an obligatory point of passage into the strategic agenda of the firm. However, the findings also reveal the political tactics used by employees in order to work within, against and around the MAS.

Originality/value

The paper shows that MAS are a key player in the political contests that occur during the process of strategy formulation, as opposed to offering a neutral tool for measuring the strategic value of innovative ideas.

Citation

Whittle, A. and Mueller, F. (2010), "Strategy, enrolment and accounting: the politics of strategic ideas", Accounting, Auditing & Accountability Journal, Vol. 23 No. 5, pp. 626-646. https://doi.org/10.1108/09513571011054918