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Accounting fundamentals and accounting change: Boulton & Watt and the Springfield Armory

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  • Toms, Steven
  • Fleischman, Richard K.

Abstract

The paper argues that by examining accounting’s technical/objective and relational/social characteristics simultaneously, a deeper understanding can be gained of accounting transition at key stages of economic development. Using the case of Boulton & Watt (B&W), a pioneering firm of the British Industrial Revolution (BIR), the paper critiques prior interpretations and applies a taxonomy using new archival evidence, contrasting these with developments at the Springfield Armory. Results show that the management of internal contractual relationships and a preoccupation with efficiency rather than profit or control through surveillance were the dominant explanations of accounting change.

Suggested Citation

  • Toms, Steven & Fleischman, Richard K., 2015. "Accounting fundamentals and accounting change: Boulton & Watt and the Springfield Armory," Accounting, Organizations and Society, Elsevier, vol. 41(C), pages 1-20.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:aosoci:v:41:y:2015:i:c:p:1-20
    DOI: 10.1016/j.aos.2014.09.001
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    3. Edwards, John Richard, 2018. "Towards constructing the governable worker in nineteenth-century Britain," CRITICAL PERSPECTIVES ON ACCOUNTING, Elsevier, vol. 50(C), pages 36-55.

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