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Subjectivity in developing and validating causal explanations in positivist accounting research

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  • Luft, Joan
  • Shields, Michael D.

Abstract

Eliminating alternative causal explanations plays an important role in establishing causality. We analyze two strategies researchers use to eliminate alternatives to their preferred causal explanations: providing persuasive evidence against other plausible explanations and developing a preferred explanation in such a way as to limit the number of alternatives against which evidence needs to be provided. Although positivist accounting research aims at objectivity in the use of these strategies, we argue that subjectivity plays an important role as well. We identify and discuss relatively more objective and more subjective components of these strategies for validating and developing causal explanations.

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  • Luft, Joan & Shields, Michael D., 2014. "Subjectivity in developing and validating causal explanations in positivist accounting research," Accounting, Organizations and Society, Elsevier, vol. 39(7), pages 550-558.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:aosoci:v:39:y:2014:i:7:p:550-558
    DOI: 10.1016/j.aos.2013.09.001
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Luft, Joan & Shields, Michael D., 2003. "Mapping management accounting: graphics and guidelines for theory-consistent empirical research," Accounting, Organizations and Society, Elsevier, vol. 28(2-3), pages 169-249.
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    Cited by:

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    4. Gassen, Joachim, 2014. "Causal inference in empirical archival financial accounting research," Accounting, Organizations and Society, Elsevier, vol. 39(7), pages 535-544.
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    6. Faruk Bhuiyan & Tarek Rana & Kevin Baird & Rahat Munir, 2023. "Strategic outcome of competitive advantage from corporate sustainability practices: Institutional theory perspective from an emerging economy," Business Strategy and the Environment, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 32(7), pages 4217-4243, November.
    7. Christian Nitzl & Wynne W. Chin, 2017. "The case of partial least squares (PLS) path modeling in managerial accounting research," Journal of Management Control: Zeitschrift für Planung und Unternehmenssteuerung, Springer, vol. 28(2), pages 137-156, May.
    8. Rute Gonçalves & Patrícia Lopes, 2015. "Accounting in Agriculture: Measurement practices of listed firms," FEP Working Papers 557, Universidade do Porto, Faculdade de Economia do Porto.
    9. Erhart, Raphaela & Mahlendorf, Matthias D. & Reimer, Marko & Schäffer, Utz, 2017. "Theorizing and testing bidirectional effects: The relationship between strategy formation and involvement of controllers," Accounting, Organizations and Society, Elsevier, vol. 61(C), pages 36-52.

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