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1 – 10 of over 3000The purpose of this paper is to gain insight into how management accountants can become relevant business partners out of respect for existing locally developed accounts of…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to gain insight into how management accountants can become relevant business partners out of respect for existing locally developed accounts of economic performance for decision-making.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper is based on qualitative semi-structured interviews with local business actors, in this case, families from seven financially successful Danish dairy farms. The casework and the analysis have been informed by pragmatic constructivism.
Findings
The local business actors do not use the official accounting system for ongoing cost-management-related decision-making. Instead, they use several epistemic methods that include locally developed decision models, experiences, rules of thumb and intuition. The farmers use these vernacular accountings to compensate for the cost management illusion that the formal accounting system tends to create. What the study suggests is that when management accountants engage as business partners, they are likely to enter a space where accounting is already present.
Originality/value
This paper argues that local business actors practice epistemic methods where they develop and use vernacular accountings to support their managerial practice, also in the absence of a professional management accountant. These vernacular accountings may lead the local actors into an illusion because the vernacular accountings do not necessarily have an inherent economic logic and theoretical reliability. The role of the management accountant in such a setting is hence to understand, support and advance local epistemic methods. Becoming a business partner requires a combination of management accounting analytical skills and a sense of empathy and sensitivity regarding what is already at play and how this can become an object of discussion without violating the values of the other.
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John J. Wild and Jonathan M. Wild
This study aims to investigate the relation between corporate social responsibility (CSR) and disclosure transparency by examining over 12,000 disclosures of financial statements…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to investigate the relation between corporate social responsibility (CSR) and disclosure transparency by examining over 12,000 disclosures of financial statements extending over 20 years. The purpose is to understand how CSR ratings relate to the level of disaggregation in financial statement line items. The study considers additional factors, such as firm size and governance, that can accentuate or moderate this relation.
Design/methodology/approach
This study applies regression analysis, including interactions, to test the magnitude of the relation between CSR ratings and disclosure transparency. CSR is measured as a composite score that ranks firms on their reputation over numerous indicators compiled by Morgan Stanley Capital International. Disclosure transparency is measured as the level of disaggregation in financial statement line items.
Findings
The study reveals evidence consistent with the notion that firms which are more CSR conscious are also more transparent with financial statements. Evidence shows that the level of transparency is more sensitive to changes in CSR for firms less CSR conscious. Firm size is found to moderate this relation, whereas enhanced governance accentuates it.
Originality/value
There is limited research on the relation between CSR ratings and disclosure transparency. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first empirical evidence on the relation between CSR ratings and the disaggregation of financial statement line items. Results from this study help us understand the drivers of disclosure transparency, which can aid regulators, investors and other stakeholders in knowing how such drivers impact managerial decisions on the disaggregation of financial statements. Accountants play a central role in producing transparent and disaggregated accounting disclosures, and their role is pivotal in effectively integrating CSR into accounting and reporting models.
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Fabiano Siqueira de Oliveira, Octávio Ribeiro de Mendonça Neto, Jose Carlos Tiomatsu Oyadomari and Claudio de Araújo Wanderley
This study aims to explore how management accounting practices act as drivers of organizational change in situations of institutional complexity.
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to explore how management accounting practices act as drivers of organizational change in situations of institutional complexity.
Design/methodology/approach
A case study was carried out in a small company with a strongly rooted social culture, which was acquired by a large conglomerate and underwent a process of strategic change as part of a new control logic. Based on this, the study analyzes the evolution of this change, with a particular focus on the efforts to construct the meaning of the performance through the inscription of objects from the cultural system to which it is attached and the “situated rationality” of the managers who are involved in its production.
Findings
The authors show how managers link their own concepts of performance to accounting practices. At the same time, the authors show how accounting practices unfold through representational gaps that their production generates.
Research limitations/implications
This study acknowledges that bias may arise from reliance on retrospective views of past processes and events, gathered primarily through interviews, documentation and observations.
Practical implications
This study highlights that the way in which the performance concept is presented by accounting practices can have a constructive effect on the organization through the aspirations that its representations entail, thus having the potential to stimulate change in organizations.
Originality/value
This study contributes to the organizational literature by clarifying that accounting practices drive change by providing spaces for debates and questions that affect the way organizations understand and report their performance.
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Malik Abu Afifa, Isam Saleh and Hien Vo Van
Based on the technology acceptance model theory, this study aims to explore whether perceived usefulness (PU), perceived ease of use (PE) and the availability to embrace…
Abstract
Purpose
Based on the technology acceptance model theory, this study aims to explore whether perceived usefulness (PU), perceived ease of use (PE) and the availability to embrace technology (AET) influence the intention to accept an enterprise resource planning (ERP) system in Jordanian companies. It also analyses the influence of the intention to accept ERP system on ERP system adoption. More crucially, the current research fills a gap in earlier investigations by exploring the influence of adopting an ERP system on accounting information quality moderated by a company size.
Design/methodology/approach
This research seeks to provide evidence about the study context from Jordanian companies, as the research population and sample consist of all companies listed on the Amman Stock Exchange in 2022 (totally 170 companies). This signifies that the research method is a complete survey of the study population. The core data were collected using an online survey via Google Forms. It was emailed to the selected companies’ chief financial officers. Because each company received one online survey questionnaire, this unit of analysis is a company. Finally, 141 questionnaires were returned, reflecting an 82.94% response rate.
Findings
Empirically, the findings reveal that PU, PE and AET influence the intention to accept an ERP system, and that there is a positive relation between the intention to accept an ERP system and ERP system adoption. Furthermore, ERP system adoption positively influences relevance and faithful representation of accounting information moderated by company size.
Originality/value
This research adds to the accounting information quality literature by investigating the direct influence of ERP system adoption. Furthermore, the findings show the effectiveness of ERP system adoption and its regulatory roles in companies. Finally, this research was conducted to provide empirical knowledge on ERP system adoption in developing countries, notably Jordan.
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Malik Muneer Abu Afifa and Nha Minh Nguyen
This study aims to examine the influence of big data analytics (BDA) on environmental performance (ENP) in the post-COVID-19 context in Vietnam, as a developing country. In which…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to examine the influence of big data analytics (BDA) on environmental performance (ENP) in the post-COVID-19 context in Vietnam, as a developing country. In which, this study considers environmental process integration in accounting reports as a mediator variable. Furthermore, digital learning orientation (DLO) and environmental strategy (ES) are proposed as the moderator variables for relationships in the proposed model.
Design/methodology/approach
Data was collected by survey method via email with convenient sampling method. In total, 611 emails, including the survey, were sent to executive managers of Vietnamese manufacturing companies listed on stock exchanges. The final sample of 419 responses was used for analysis.
Findings
By using the partial least squares structural equation modeling, this study’s results elucidate that BDA positively affects ENP. Moreover, DLO positively moderates the nexus between BDA and environmental process integration in accounting reports, while ES plays a positive moderating role on the nexus between environmental process integration and ENP.
Practical implications
In terms of managerial implications, this paper mentions pretty attractive features of using modern technique and ENP. This research emphasizes the key role of the BDA for both reporting and accounting performance (e.g. environmental process integration and ENP) of the company. Thus, managers should examine implementing BDA when necessary to make accounting reports more transparent and modern, thereby enhancing the organization's ENP. Particularly, managers should focus on improving the organization's ENP indicators.
Originality/value
This study complements the ENP literature by showing a positive effect of BDA and environmental process integration on ENP. Additionally, this study’s results determine the efficacy of DLO and ES as well as their regulatory roles. Finally, this study was conducted to supplement empirical evidence on ENP in the post-COVID-19 context in developing countries, specifically Vietnam.
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Alkiviadis Karagiorgos, Grigorios Lazos, Antonios Stavropoulos, Dimitra Karagiorgou and Fani Valkani
This paper examines issues that focus on the importance of accounting data generated knowledge information and its role in modern business. The cognitive aspect of this research…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper examines issues that focus on the importance of accounting data generated knowledge information and its role in modern business. The cognitive aspect of this research reflects the ability of companies and its employees to apply knowledge for managerial purposes using accounting data.
Design/methodology/approach
Using a questionnaire, a five-factor model related to information communication, information cognitive utilization, functional optimization, applicability and cognitive efficiency was created.
Findings
Findings present a series of complex correlations highlighting possible actions to utilize knowledge as a tool for management. Information is obtained regarding the management of knowledge and the adoption of information systems.
Research limitations/implications
The results reflect the limited implementation of intellectual capital practices and understanding of knowledge as a financial tool for executives and employees. Based on the above, an attempt was made to formulate the questions for the careful identification of the factors.
Practical implications
Rapid developments in information and communication technologies, together with a realization that knowledge is a resource of general and cost strategic importance, changed the operational structures of companies, shifting value from materials to intangible assets. This paper demonstrates how multiple variables are correlated and how small changes could help increase intellectual capital and facilitate the construction of knowledge based systems.
Social implications
The need for an accounting valuation of intellectual capital in order to present the true picture of business value is evident. This paper illustrates factors such as interactive communication and systematic cognitive efficiency or the monetization of information as a preliminary step for future valuation and management intellectual capital models.
Originality/value
Direct access to sufficient and reliable information, lead to the search for effective tools for the creation, aggregation and exchange of knowledge. The latter becomes a key goal for information systems. Emphasis is placed on the benefits and critical success factors of knowledge management systems, as essential information systems to support and enhance organizational processes.
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Selena Aureli, Eleonora Foschi and Angelo Paletta
This study investigates the implementation of a sustainable circular business model from an accounting perspective. Its goal is to understand if and how decision- makers use…
Abstract
Purpose
This study investigates the implementation of a sustainable circular business model from an accounting perspective. Its goal is to understand if and how decision- makers use management accounting systems, and what changes are needed if these systems are to support the transition toward a circular economy.
Design/methodology/approach
Dialogic accounting theory frames the case study of six companies that built a value network to develop and implement an innovative packaging solution consistent with circular economy principles. Content analysis was utilised to investigate the accounting tools used.
Findings
The findings indicate that circular solutions generate new organisational configurations based on value networks. Interestingly, managers’ decision-making process largely bypassed the accounting function; they relied on informal accounting and life cycle analysis, which stimulated a multi-stakeholder dialogue in a life cycle perspective.
Research limitations/implications
The research provides theoretical and practical insights into the capability of management accounting systems to support companies seeking circular solutions.
Practical implications
The authors offer implications for accounting practice, chief financial officers (CFOs) and accounting educators, suggesting that a dialogic approach may support value retention of resources, materials and products, as required by the circular economy.
Social implications
The research contributes to the debate about the role of accounting in sustainability, specifically the need for connecting for resource efficiency at the corporate level with the rationalisation of resource use within planetary boundaries.
Originality/value
The study contributes to the limited research into the role of management accounting in a company’s transition to circular business models. Dialogic accounting theory frames exploration of how accounting may evolve to help businesses become accountable to all stakeholders, including the environment.
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Feten Arfaoui, Ines Kammoun and Imen Ben Slimene
This research aims to explore the perceived usefulness of audited social information in making economic decisions, in the eyes of both Tunisian financial analysts and bankers.
Abstract
Purpose
This research aims to explore the perceived usefulness of audited social information in making economic decisions, in the eyes of both Tunisian financial analysts and bankers.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors conduct an exploratory qualitative study using twelve semi-structured interviews: seven are carried out with financial analysts, and five are performed among bankers.
Findings
This study’s results reveal that financial analysts and bankers paid little attention to the audited social information in making investment/credit granting decisions. The authors also show that the low perceived usefulness of social audit is due to many reasons related to political, economic, regulatory, educational, cultural and cognitive factors.
Originality/value
This study contributes to the current literature in several ways. First, it enriches the knowledge about the perceived usefulness of social audit. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to explore the perception of financial analysts and bankers to audited social information and its usefulness for decision-making. Second, the focus on the Tunisian context is interesting as it was marked, since the outbreak of the Jasmine Revolution, by the uncertainty and the instability of political, economic and social conditions. Third, this research goes further by exploring the most important factors affecting the perceiveness of social auditing.
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Malik Muneer Abu Afifa, Tho Hoang Nguyen, Lien Thuy Le Nguyen, Thuy Hong Thi Tran and Nhan Thanh Dao
This study aims to examine the relationship between blockchain technology (BCT) adoption and firm performance (FIP) mediated by cyber-security risk management (CSRM) in the…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to examine the relationship between blockchain technology (BCT) adoption and firm performance (FIP) mediated by cyber-security risk management (CSRM) in the context of Vietnam, a developing country. Besides, the mediating effect of risk-taking tendency (RTT) has been considered in the BCT–CSRM nexus.
Design/methodology/approach
Data is collected using a survey questionnaire of Vietnamese financial firms through strict screening steps to ensure the representativeness of the population. The ending pattern of 449 responses has been used for analysis.
Findings
The findings of partial least squares structural equation modeling demonstrated that CSRM has a positive effect on FIP and acts as a mediator in the BCT–FIP nexus. Furthermore, RTT moderates the relationship between BCT and CSRM significantly.
Practical implications
This study introduces the attractive attributes of applying BCT to CSRM. Accordingly, managers should rely on BCT and take advantage of it to improve investment resources, business activities and functional areas to enhance their firm's CSRM. Especially, managers should pay attention to enhancing their RTT, which improves FIP.
Originality/value
This study supplements the previous literature in the context of CSRM by indicating favorable effects of BCT and RTT. Additionally, this study identifies the effectiveness of RTT as well as its moderating role. Ultimately, this paper has been managed as a pioneering empirical study that integrates BCT, RTT and CSRM in the same model in a developing country, specifically Vietnam.
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Malik Muneer Abu Afifa, Isam Saleh, Maen Al-Zaghilat, Nawaf Thuneibat and Nha Minh Nguyen
This study aims to investigate the direct nexus between board characteristics, corporate social responsibility (CSR) disclosure and the cost of equity capital (CEQ). This is done…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to investigate the direct nexus between board characteristics, corporate social responsibility (CSR) disclosure and the cost of equity capital (CEQ). This is done by using agency theory, stakeholder theory and signalling theory, followed by an investigation into the indirect mediation impact of CSR disclosure in the board characteristics-CEQ nexus. It intends to present new experimental evidence from Jordan’s developing economy.
Design/methodology/approach
The study’s target population was services companies registered on the Amman Stock Exchange (ASE) between 2012 and 2020. As a result, the population and sampling of this study are represented by all services companies for whom complete data are available over the period, with a total of 43 services companies yielding 387 company-year observations. Data for our study were obtained from their annual disclosures and the ASE’s database.
Findings
The main findings demonstrated that board size, board gender variety and the number of board sessions positively affect CSR disclosure significantly. In addition, three board characteristics (i.e. board size, board independence and board gender variety) significantly negatively affect CEQ. Besides, CSR disclosure significantly negatively affects CEQ and it fully mediates the relationship between two board characteristics (i.e. board size and board gender variety) and CEQ, whereas it partially mediates the nexus between board independence, CEO/Chairman duality and the number of board sessions of board characteristics and CEQ.
Originality/value
This study varies from earlier studies, in that it builds a new research model by looking at the mediating role of CSR disclosure in the nexus among board characteristics and the CEQ.
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