Bridging the paradigm divide in management accounting research: The role of mixed methods approaches

This paper discusses the role of mixed methods research in management accounting and how it may help researchers bridge the divide between the economics-based, functionalist ‘mainstream’ and the ‘alternative’ paradigm informed by interpretive and critical perspectives. Whilst noting the considerable barriers to dialogue across these paradigms, I outline how mixed methods research can be mobilized as part of a strategy of meta-triangulation to engender inter-paradigmatic engagement.     

当代会计研究方法:检讨和反思

自二十世纪九十年代起,中国会计理论研究中越来越重视实证方法,这可能与参照英美国家的实证会计研究趋势有关。但回顾西方国家几十年来的会计研究历史,却发现西方会计学者本身也有很多对实证研究方法的质疑。到了二十一世纪,西方会计研究界也尝试寻求超越实证研究方法的其它研究方法,比如人文诠释研究方法等。从西方国家近几十年的会计研究经验来看,是一个从规范性研究方法到实证研究方法,又从实证研究方法到人文诠释研究方法的过程。西方国家对会计研究方法不同观点反省的经验和教训,对中国也很有参考价值。     

Straddling between paradigms: A naturalistic philosophical case study on interpretive research in management accounting

This paper analyses interpretive research in management accounting from the perspective of naturalistic philosophy of science. We focus on the relation of interpretive research to the subjective/objective dichotomy appearing in the methodological literature of the social sciences. In management accounting research, it is often routinely assumed that interpretive studies, following the reasoning by Burrell and Morgan [Burrell, G., & Morgan. G. (1979). Sociological paradigms and organisational analysis. London: Heinemann], are based on subjectivism only. The major purpose of this paper is to give flesh to the existing debates around the nature of interpretive research with the help of in depth analysis of one example of such research in management accounting. Since abstract and general philosophical arguments are often used merely to cloud more relevant case specific issues concerning the focus of explanation and the nature of empirical evidence offered, our analysis aims at providing conceptual tools for articulating with greater precision what is being asserted in a given study. The specific target of the examination is the interpretive study by Dent [Dent, J. F. (1991). Accounting and organisational cultures: A field study of the emergence of a new organisational reality. Accounting, Organisations and Society, 16, 693–703], which is one of the highly appreciated and extensively quoted pieces of research picked from the interpretive management accounting literature. Our analysis indicates that though there certainly are, and needs to be, unique subjectivist features in interpretive studies as compared to more ‘objectivist’ approaches, there are also important similarities, and that the view of sociological paradigms as necessarily mutually exclusive does not hold water. Hence interpretive research straddles between paradigms. As we argue that interpretive studies, in addition to including subjectivist elements, also encompass objectivist features, we invert the typical social theory critique of ‘scientific’ (management) accounting research that it cannot be an objective ‘mirror of reality’ by claiming that interpretive studies cannot be exclusively subjectivist and still they remain theoretically relevant. Our philosophically tuned analysis explicates how concepts from different paradigms, such as interpretations, understanding meanings, and causality, can successfully co-exist and co-operate within a single study.     

Insights into method triangulation and “paradigms” in interpretive management accounting research

This paper seeks to develop our understanding of method triangulation and research paradigms in interpretive management accounting research. Relying on field illustrations, the paper provides insight into how method triangulation has actually been received within the Finnish management accounting research community. At present, talk can be distinguished from action in method triangulation. Relying further on this insight, the paper discusses the meaning of a “paradigm”. It points out that for the individual scholar the paradigm is not necessarily a coherent, well-reflected philosophical standpoint. Instead, it represents a socio-political assemblage that suggests a “methodological identity” and provides “paradigmatic economies” for the self-interested academic. We also put forward a view on the future of method triangulation and paradigmatic détente more generally.     

Differences and similaritites between corporate governance principles in Islamic banks and Conventional banks

The purpose of this paper is to present the some differences and similarities between corporate governance principles in Islamic banks and conventional banks by paradigmatic diversification. Since Corporate governance in Islamic banks is a social phenomenon in Islamic societies, the paper uses social theory paradigms (functionalist, interpretive, radical humanist and radical structuralist) to compare between corporate governance in Islamic banks and conventional banks. This paper demonstrates that mainstream corporate corporate governance theories are not a law of nature but a social construct.     

Contemporary public sector accounting research – An international comparison of journal papers

This paper provides a broad review of the public sector accounting research in recent years, including that undertaken in the US. An analysis of this research reveals a methodological distinction between research undertaken in the US (using predominately functionalist methodologies, accompanied by positivistic quantitative research methods) and that undertaken in the rest of the world (using interpretive and radical/alternative methodologies, with qualitative research methods). The nature, causes and consequences of this distinction are discussed. The paper concludes with an exhortation for PSAR researchers to explore multiparadigmatic methodologies in future research.     

Driving force of globalization: A multi- paradigmatic look

Any explanation of the driving force of globalization is based on a worldview. The premise of this paper is that any worldview can be associated with one of the four broad paradigms: functionalist, interpretive, radical humanist, and radical structuralist. This paper takes the case of the driving force of globalization and discusses it from the four different viewpoints. It emphasizes that the four views expressed are equally scientific and informative; they look at the phenomenon from their certain paradigmatic viewpoint; and together they provide a more balanced understanding of the phenomenon under consideration. This approach is applicable to any phenomena, including financial phenomena.     

公司信息透明度:经验研究与未来展望

公司信息透明度对资本市场的重要性使其成为学术界和实务界关注的焦点。本文从对公司信息透明度内涵的理解入手,对公司信息透明度的影响因素和经济后果的相关实证研究做了详细的回顾,并对其中涉及的对公司信息透明度的衡量方法进行了归纳与评析,文末提出了现有实证研究的局限,以及未来的研究方向。     

No premature closures of debates,please: A response to Ahrens

In this response to Ahrens [Ahrens, T. (2008). Overcoming the subjective–objective divide in interpretive management accounting research. Accounting, Organizations and Society, 33(2–3), 292–297.] we clarify both the motivation and the core points of the Kakkuri-Knuuttila et al. [Kakkuri-Knuuttila, M.-L., Lukka, K., & Kuorikoski, J. (2008). Straddling between paradigms: A naturalistic philosophical case study on interpretive research in management accounting. Accounting, Organizations and Society, 33(2–3), 267–291.] paper. We remind the management accounting academia that we should be careful not to close prematurely examinations and debates on issues, which are not yet truly resolved.     

Accounting journals and the ABS quality ratings

This study aims to look behind the quality ratings for accounting journals, listed in the ABS Academic Journal Quality Guide (Kelly, Morris, Rowlinson and Harvey, 2009). Significant variations exist in the perceptions of journal quality across the six UK business schools that contribute ratings to the ABS guide, with the most optimistic perceptions tending to come from those schools whose ratings are more highly correlated with quality scores for critical and interpretive research, as reported in Lowe and Locke's (2005) article in Accounting, Organizations and Society (30:1, 81–98). Pessimistic perceptions are more likely to exist in those schools whose ratings are more highly correlated with Lowe & Locke's scores for functional and capital markets research paradigms. There are also notable variations in journal ratings across time. Given that perceptions vary so much across schools, paradigms and time, how much credence can be given to any single rating system for journal quality? This study concludes that if the ABS guide is to be used by university decision-makers or heads of school then the ABS ratings for any given year need to be treated with extreme caution and with an appropriate recognition of their intrinsic limitations.     

从功能翻译理论看汉语公示语的英译

功能翻译理论强调译文在译语文化中的交际功能,认为翻译目的决定译文,也决定翻译策略和方法,因此能够为公示语的汉译英提供有力的理论支持。为此,译者应以功能翻译理论为依据,从实现语篇的预期功能出发,充分考虑到读者的需求和文化习惯,遵循简洁明了、互文性和尊重译语文化习惯等原则,灵活采取翻译策略,从而实现公示语的交际目的。     

从功能翻译理论看汉语公示语的英译

功能翻译理论强调译文在译语文化中的交际功能,认为翻译目的决定译文,也决定翻译策略和方法,因此能够为公示语的汉译英提供有力的理论支持。为此,译者应以功能翻译理论为依据,从实现语篇的预期功能出发,充分考虑到读者的需求和文化习惯,遵循简洁明了、互文性和尊重译语文化习惯等原则,灵活采取翻译策略,从而实现公示语的交际目的。     

Exploring the possibilities for causal explanation in interpretive research

This paper suggests how the contemporary theory of causality, based on the notions of counterfactuality and contrastive thinking, offers helpful direction on how to generate plausible causal arguments in interpretive research. For an interpretive researcher, this opens a route from rich emic accounts to thick explanations; however, only if he/she so wishes and the research question so requires. Perhaps with some surprise, causality can be included in interpretive research framings without compromising the unique features of such research – actually by even building on some of its strongholds. Examples from interpretive management accounting research will illustrate the message of the paper.     

An Analysis of Comment Integration Involving SAS 54

The process by which auditing standards are established in the United States was criticized by the late Senator Metcalf (1977) and more recently by the Treadway Commission (1987). Their allegations involving the Auditing Standards Board (ASB) encompass many perceived deficiencies, ranging from the charge that the large accounting firms dominate the standard-setting process, to the notion that the auditing standards currently promulgated do not address emerging policy issues on a timely basis. However, despite these criticisms, there is a paucity of empirical research involving the actual formulation of auditing standards in the United States. Accordingly, this research investigates certain behavioural facets involving the evolution of Statement on Auditing Standards No. 54, Illegal Acts by Clients , along certain dimensions, including audit-firm size. Specifically, the paper examines reactions to the exposure draft of SAS 54 and the extent to which written suggestions were incorporated into the final standard. The results do not support the proposition that either audit firm size or an employee's membership on the ASB has a significant impact on achieving the integration of a respondent's comments into the final audit statement.     

TOWARDS A VALUE-NEUTRAL POSITIVE SCIENCE OF ACCOUNTING: A REPLY

The main criticisms of "A Value-Neutral Positive Science of Accounting" relate to three issues: (1) The status of scientific knowledge and the 'superiority' of the scientific method; (2) The role of empirical research; and (3) The values implicit in scientific research. These are both fundamental and controversial, and will hopefully be pursued further in the accounting literature. However, debate in terms of cliches aimed at a manufactured stereotype of science, and individual values, is unlikely to be productive. This Reply attempts to show that such criticisms are exaggerated misrepresentations of the original paper in the hqte that future contributors will consider them more thoroughly.     

Modeling time series information into option prices: An empirical evaluation of statistical projection and GARCH option pricing model

This paper compares the empirical performances of statistical projection models with those of the Black–Scholes (adapted to account for skew) and the GARCH option pricing models. Empirical analysis on S&P500 index options shows that the out-of-sample pricing and projected trading performances of the semi-parametric and nonparametric projection models are substantially better than more traditional models. Results further indicate that econometric models based on nonlinear projections of observable inputs perform better than models based on OLS projections, consistent with the notion that the true unobservable option pricing model is inherently a nonlinear function of its inputs. The econometric option models presented in this paper should prove useful and complement mainstream mathematical modeling methods in both research and practice.     

Validation in interpretive management accounting research

This paper extends and contributes to emerging debates on the validation of interpretive research (IR) in management accounting. We argue that IR has the potential to produce not only subjectivist, emic understandings of actors’ meanings, but also explanations, characterised by a certain degree of “thickness”. Mobilising the key tenets of the modern philosophical theory of explanation and the notion of abduction, grounded in pragmatist epistemology, we explicate how explanations may be developed and validated, yet remaining true to the core premises of IR. We focus on the intricate relationship between two arguably central aspects of validation in IR, namely authenticity and plausibility. Working on the assumption that validation is an important, but potentially problematic concern in all serious scholarly research, we explore whether and how validation efforts are manifest in IR using two case studies as illustrative examples. Validation is seen as an issue of convincing readers of the authenticity of research findings whilst simultaneously ensuring that explanations are deemed plausible. Whilst the former is largely a matter of preserving the emic qualities of research accounts, the latter is intimately linked to the process of abductive reasoning, whereby different theories are applied to advance thick explanations. This underscores the view of validation as a process, not easily separated from the ongoing efforts of researchers to develop explanations as research projects unfold and far from reducible to mere technicalities of following pre-specified criteria presumably minimising various biases. These properties detract from a view of validation as conforming to pre-specified, stable, and uniform criteria and allow IR to move beyond the “crisis of validity” arguably prevailing in the social sciences.     

The Measurement of Comparability in Accounting Research

Indices of harmony such as the H, C, I and T indices have been developed and used in the accounting literature to quantify the level of comparability of company accounts. This has led to advances in definitions of comparability as well as empirically quantifying the extent of comparability between actual company accounts. These are important because the general concept of comparability is considered desirable, as highlighted by its inclusion as one of four qualitative characteristics in the framework of the International Accounting Standard Board (IASB). This paper rebuts criticisms of harmony indices in the accounting literature by arguing these criticisms either: (a) apply to old indices but not to newer ones, (b) apply to most empirical accounting research, (c) are based on incorrect or irrelevant assertions, or (d) relate to alternative definitions of harmony. This assists the use and interpretation of harmony indices and advances our understanding of what comparability means. New indices within the T index framework are also proposed by directly comparing company accounts and therefore avoiding the previous requirement to define ‘accounting methods’. A new index R is also proposed to capture international harmony between countries when within‐country uniformity is absent.     

Performance Measurement in the Public Sector: A Clarification and Agenda for Research

Despite the growing significance of performance measurement systems, theoretical evidence suggests that unique and complex characteristics in the public sector prevent performance measures being used for internal managerial purposes. A paucity of empirical studies suggests a need to shift the research agenda to interpretive methods to understand how the measures are used in a public-sector entity. A field study approach employing grounded theory is advocated to connect what is happening in practice with scholarly work.     

Beyond budgeting or budgeting reconsidered? A survey of North-American budgeting practice

Budgets have historically played a key role in management control; however, recently they have become the subject of considerable criticism and debate. Some argue that the problems with budgeting stem from the way budgets are used (Horngren et al., 2004) while others argue that budgeting processes are fundamentally flawed (Hope and Fraser, 2003a). Hansen et al. (2003), among others, have called for a systematic examination of these issues against empirical evidence. In this paper, we present the results of two surveys of mid- to large-sized North-American organizations to 1) update the literature on North-American budgeting practices, 2) collect empirical evidence to assess the criticisms, and 3) begin to identify strong tendencies or patterns in budgeting practice to inform future academic research. Overall, we find for the majority of firms that budgets continue to be used for control purposes and are perceived to be value-added. While problems exist with budgets, organizations are adapting their use to account for these problems rather than abandoning budgets altogether.