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Sustainable development and First Nations values: a multidimensional accounting approach for mining proposals

Sanja Pupovac (Faculty of Business and Law, School of Business, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, Australia)
Mona Nikidehaghani (Faculty of Business and Law, School of Business, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, Australia)

Meditari Accountancy Research

ISSN: 2049-372X

Article publication date: 16 February 2024

Issue publication date: 10 September 2024

228

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the extent to which using accounting as a multidimensional practice that encompasses technical, social and moral dimensions facilitates the instigation and advancement of a culture of sustainable development.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative approach was used to analyse the case of Waratah Coal Pty Ltd vs Youth Verdict Ltd – a dispute over a lease to establish a coal mine. The study draws on Carnegie et al.’s (2021a, 2021b) multidimensional definition of accounting and the Carnegie et al.’s (2023) framework for analysis to explore how different parties drew on accounting concepts to support their position over the sustainability of the mining lease proposal.

Findings

A multidimensional perspective on accounting appears to have clear transformative potential and can be used to champion a culture of sustainable development. This approach also has broad societal, environmental and moral implications that transcend Western financial metrics. This study shows that relying solely on accounting as a technical practice to pursue economic benefits can result in contested arguments. Overall, this analysis illustrates how the wider public, and notably First Nations communities, might challenge accounting methodologies that marginalise cultural and social narratives.

Originality/value

This paper expands accounting research by demonstrating how fully embracing accounting’s capacities can create a space for hearing multiple voices, including those silenced by Western accounting practices. Specifically, this study presents a unique case in which the authors incorporate the voices and views of those affected by accounting-based decisions.

Keywords

Acknowledgements

The authors thank the participants of the 2023 Meditari Accountancy Research Conference for their constructive and helpful comments. They are also grateful to the two anonymous reviewers and the guest editors whose detailed and constructive feedback significantly enhanced this paper.

Citation

Pupovac, S. and Nikidehaghani, M. (2024), "Sustainable development and First Nations values: a multidimensional accounting approach for mining proposals", Meditari Accountancy Research, Vol. 32 No. 5, pp. 1710-1733. https://doi.org/10.1108/MEDAR-04-2023-1986

Publisher

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Emerald Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2024, Emerald Publishing Limited

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