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Accounting in markets, hierarchies and networks: The role of accounting in the transnational governance of postal transactions

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  • Richardson, Alan J.
  • Kilfoyle, Eksa

Abstract

We examine the changing role of accounting in the development of the international postal system between 1840 and the emergence of the Universal Postal Union (UPU) in 1875. We use the distinction between mundane and opportunistic transaction costs to explain why accounting disappeared as a coordinating mechanism as postal transactions migrated from spot market exchanges, through bilateral contracts (treaties) between nations, into a network of domestic post offices coordinated by the UPU. Our analysis refines the application of transaction cost economics to the understanding of the role of management accounting in different governance mechanisms.

Suggested Citation

  • Richardson, Alan J. & Kilfoyle, Eksa, 2009. "Accounting in markets, hierarchies and networks: The role of accounting in the transnational governance of postal transactions," Accounting, Organizations and Society, Elsevier, vol. 34(8), pages 939-956, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:aosoci:v:34:y:2009:i:8:p:939-956
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    Cited by:

    1. Helen Irvine, 2011. "From go to woe," Accounting, Auditing & Accountability Journal, Emerald Group Publishing Limited, vol. 24(7), pages 824-847, September.
    2. Richardson, Alan J., 2012. "Paradigms, theory and management accounting practice: A comment on Parker (forthcoming) “Qualitative management accounting research: Assessing deliverables and relevance”," CRITICAL PERSPECTIVES ON ACCOUNTING, Elsevier, vol. 23(1), pages 83-88.
    3. Richardson, Alan J. & Kilfoyle, Eksa, 2016. "Accounting institutions as truce: The emergence of accounting in the governance of transnational mail flows," Accounting, Organizations and Society, Elsevier, vol. 55(C), pages 32-47.

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