The accountants’ perspective on sustainable business practices in SMEs

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the accountants’ perspective towards their role and function as business advisors in assisting with the adoption of sustainable business practices (SBPs) in small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

Design/methodology/approach

A questionnaire-based study was conducted on members from one of Australia’s leading professional accounting organizations.

Findings

Key findings from this research highlighted deficiencies in the effectiveness of the accounting profession in assisting SMEs in implementing SBPs despite a desire from clients for accountants to provide this advice and a belief that accountants are best placed to do so. Further, an expectations gap is evident between the level of involvement accountants believe they should be having in assisting SMEs and the level of involvement that is currently occurring.

Research limitations/implications

This finding has implications for the accounting profession, with accountants needing to examine their current business approaches in an effort to close this gap. If this does not occur, SMEs will most likely seek this much-needed advice and support from outside the profession.

Originality/value

Little attention has been given to the accountant’s role in respect of sustainability from an accountant’s perspective. The findings contribute to understanding the accountant’s importance in advancing their involvement in assisting SMEs in the uptake of SBPs.

Citation

Williams, B.R. and O'Donovan, G. (2015), "The accountants’ perspective on sustainable business practices in SMEs", Social Responsibility Journal, Vol. 11 No. 3, pp. 641-656. https://doi.org/10.1108/SRJ-07-2014-0096