Transforming the public sector: 1998–2018
Accounting, Auditing & Accountability Journal
ISSN: 0951-3574
Article publication date: 27 September 2019
Issue publication date: 19 November 2019
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to provide an evaluation of public sector research in the 1998–2018 period.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper uses the extant literature of this era to study the theorisation of, and the findings of, public sector research.
Findings
This is a vibrant field of a study in a wide range of study settings and with many interdisciplinary studies. The influence of new public management is pervasive over this period. There are numerous instances of innovations in study settings, in key findings and the approach taken by investigators.
Research limitations/implications
This is not a comprehensive review of all literature in this period.
Practical implications
This study also explored the relevance of academic research of this era to policymaking by governments.
Originality/value
This paper offers a distinctive critique of theorisation of public sector accounting research. It reveals the dominant theoretical reference points in use during this period and observes the increasing tendency for theoretical pluralism to investigate complex study settings.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
This paper forms part of a special section “Special issue: AAAJ and research innovation - the next decade 1998 to 2007”.
Citation
Lapsley, I. and Miller, P. (2019), "Transforming the public sector: 1998–2018", Accounting, Auditing & Accountability Journal, Vol. 32 No. 8, pp. 2211-2252. https://doi.org/10.1108/AAAJ-06-2018-3511
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2019, Emerald Publishing Limited