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Is management accounting theory breaking free from the shackles of neo‐classical economics? A South African perspective

M. Shotter (School of Accountancy, University of Pretoria)

Meditari Accountancy Research

ISSN: 1022-2529

Article publication date: 1 April 2001

486

Abstract

To the extent that management accounting is based on neo‐classical economics, all decision‐making is assumed to be rational, aimed at utility or profit maximisation and all circumstances influencing decisions are accepted as stationary. The approach excludes all social, cultural or historical considerations and is based on perfect information that is freely available. Neo‐classical economics further assumes that minimum government intervention, which is regulated by competition, will result in maximum benefit for society as a whole. This paper aims to determine the extent to which management accounting theory has been based on these limiting assumptions and finds that emerging management accounting theory is increasingly based on alternative, more liberating foundations. This situation is in contrast to management accounting education in South Africa, which remains almost entirely based on neo‐classical economics.

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Citation

Shotter, M. (2001), "Is management accounting theory breaking free from the shackles of neo‐classical economics? A South African perspective", Meditari Accountancy Research, Vol. 9 No. 1, pp. 257-284. https://doi.org/10.1108/10222529200100014

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MCB UP Ltd

Copyright © 2001, MCB UP Limited

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