The Application of Environmental Management Accounting Techniques by Manufacturing Firms in Kenya
Environmental Reporting and Management in Africa
ISBN: 978-1-78973-374-7, eISBN: 978-1-78973-373-0
Publication date: 22 October 2019
Abstract
Purpose
Though environmental management accounting (EMA) is a globally recognized accounting practice, its application and development within several developing economies remain stunted. The aim of this chapter is to provide an overview of the extent to which EMA practices have been implemented by local manufacturing companies in Nairobi, Kenya.
Methodology
We measure the degree to which EMA methods have been adopted by manufacturing entities and hypothesize that firm size, financial performance, and regulation are positively associated to the extent to which EMA techniques are applied by Kenyan corporations. The chapter employs a mixed methods research approach and combines the use of surveys with semi-structured interviews to gain insights into drivers of EMA and the extent to which these methods are applied locally.
Findings
We find environmental regulation and financial performance are positively associated with the level of EMA practices applied by manufacturing entities.
Originality
The findings illustrate the complexities of applying EMA practices within an emerging context and provide evidence that EMA practices are still predominantly used by entities to meet local regulatory requirements. The qualitative findings indicate there could be some companies who engage with EMA at a more sophisticated level.
Keywords
Citation
Wachira, M.M. and Wang’ombe, D. (2019), "The Application of Environmental Management Accounting Techniques by Manufacturing Firms in Kenya", Environmental Reporting and Management in Africa (Advances in Environmental Accounting & Management, Vol. 8), Emerald Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 69-89. https://doi.org/10.1108/S1479-359820190000008004
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2019 Emerald Publishing Limited