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The Evolution of Bookkeeping in China: Integrating Historical Trends with Western Influences

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  • Maxwell Aiken
  • Wei Lu

Abstract

This article reviews the development of Chinese single‐entry bookkeeping, the emergence of Chinese double‐entry bookkeeping and evolutionary trends from single entry to double entry. It identifies the invention and basic nature of Chinese double‐entry methods which have reflected cultural changes from within the society. Given this historical perspective, conclusions are drawn about the nature of social and economic change in China and the impact of outside cultural influences. Of particular importance to the timing of progress is the primitive form of double entry entitled Three Feet. This had its gestation about the same time as European innovations were occurring in response to economic and cultural changes which sponsored bookkeeping methods as described by Pacioli. A critical question for examination at present is whether cultural evolution in China can yet support complete integration of its own accounting principles and fundamental philosophies with Western accounting methods. This has proved to be difficult in the past.

Suggested Citation

  • Maxwell Aiken & Wei Lu, 1998. "The Evolution of Bookkeeping in China: Integrating Historical Trends with Western Influences," Abacus, Accounting Foundation, University of Sydney, vol. 34(1), pages 140-162, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:abacus:v:34:y:1998:i:1:p:140-162
    DOI: 10.1111/1467-6281.00026
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    Cited by:

    1. Roberta Provasi, 2013. "L?evoluzione contabile in Cina. Origini e confronti con il metodo partiduplistico italiano," CONTABILIT? E CULTURA AZIENDALE, FrancoAngeli Editore, vol. 2013(1), pages 91-115.
    2. Göthlich, Stephan E., 2007. "Zur Ideengeschichte von Buchführung, Kostenrechung und Controlling vor dem Hintergrund ihres historischen Kontexts," Manuskripte aus den Instituten für Betriebswirtschaftslehre der Universität Kiel 617, Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel, Institut für Betriebswirtschaftslehre.
    3. Macve, Richard, 2021. "Pacioli’s Lens: Through a glass, darkly," LSE Research Online Documents on Economics 112170, London School of Economics and Political Science, LSE Library.
    4. Chiapello, Eve & Ding, Yuan, 2005. "Searching for the accounting features of capitalism: an illustration with the economic transition process in China," HEC Research Papers Series 817, HEC Paris.
    5. Xu-dong Ji, 2003. "Concepts of cost and profit in Chinese agricultural treatises: with special reference to Shengshi Nongshu and Pu Nongshu in the seventeenth century," Accounting History Review, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 13(1), pages 69-81.
    6. Silvia Rossetti & Roberto Verona, 2017. "International Differences in IFRS Policy Choice and the Persistence of Accounting Classification: The Case of China," International Journal of Business and Management, Canadian Center of Science and Education, vol. 12(2), pages 1-27, January.
    7. Alexandre RAMBAUD, 2023. "How can accounting reformulate the debate on natural capital and help implement its ecological approach?," Working Paper 8567406c-bed0-4401-9792-a, Agence française de développement.
    8. Chan, K. Hung & Lew, Albert Y. & Tong, Marian Yew Jen Wu, 2001. "Accounting and management controls in the classical Chinese novel: A Dream of the Red Mansions," The International Journal of Accounting, Elsevier, vol. 36(3), pages 311-327, September.
    9. Malcolm Anderson, 1999. "Accounting History Publications 1998," Accounting History Review, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 9(3), pages 375-384.
    10. Jenny Jing Wang & Corinne Cortese, 2021. "Tracing dual entry beyond the Eurocentric boundary," Accounting and Finance, Accounting and Finance Association of Australia and New Zealand, vol. 61(4), pages 5051-5071, December.
    11. Hoskin, Keith & Macve, Richard, 2012. "Contesting the indigenous development of “Chinese double-entry bookkeeping” and its significance in China’s economic institutions and business organization before c.1850," LSE Research Online Documents on Economics 42583, London School of Economics and Political Science, LSE Library.
    12. Z. Lin, 2003. "Chinese bookkeeping systems: a study of accounting adaptation and change," Accounting History Review, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 13(1), pages 83-98.
    13. Jason Zezhong Xiao & Pauline Weetman & Manli Sun, 2004. "Political Influence and Coexistence of a Uniform Accounting System and Accounting Standards: Recent Developments in China," Abacus, Accounting Foundation, University of Sydney, vol. 40(2), pages 193-218, June.
    14. Simon Gao & Morrison Handley-Schachler, 2003. "The influences of Confucianism, Feng Shui and Buddhism in Chinese accounting history," Accounting History Review, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 13(1), pages 41-68.
    15. Philip Constable & Nooch Kuasirikun, 2007. "Accounting for the nation‐state in mid nineteenth‐century Thailand," Accounting, Auditing & Accountability Journal, Emerald Group Publishing Limited, vol. 20(4), pages 574-619, July.

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