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Towards a paradigmatic foundation for accounting practice

Author

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  • Hanne Nørreklit
  • Lennart Nørreklit
  • Falconer Mitchell

Abstract

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to propose a framework (pragmatic constructivism) for a new paradigm for accounting practice. The paradigmatic base of practice is an important element in explaining, understanding, justifying and defending practice. Design/methodology/approach - The paper is designed to argue the case for the use of pragmatic constructivism as a basis for the development of a paradigmatic foundation of accounting practice. To achieve this, pragmatic constructivism is explained and its application to accounting is illustrated and contrasted with the traditional paradigm of realism. Findings - The analysis shows how the use of a less reductionist paradigm than realism can assist accountants both in the creation of a rationale and a defence for practice. Research limitations/implications - The analysis is exploratory in the sense that a new paradigmatic framework is outlined and used to illustrate its potential to develop a paradigm for practice. The creation of a full practice paradigm for accounting is beyond the scope of one paper. Hence this analysis should be viewed as only a first step towards developing a paradigm of accounting practice. Originality/value - The proposal of pragmatic constructivism for this purpose is novel to the accounting literature. The value of its application lies in its potential to explain and defend accounting practice.

Suggested Citation

  • Hanne Nørreklit & Lennart Nørreklit & Falconer Mitchell, 2010. "Towards a paradigmatic foundation for accounting practice," Accounting, Auditing & Accountability Journal, Emerald Group Publishing Limited, vol. 23(6), pages 733-758, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:eme:aaajpp:v:23:y:2010:i:6:p:733-758
    DOI: 10.1108/09513571011065844
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Tinker, Anthony M. & Merino, Barbara D. & Neimark, Marilyn Dale, 1982. "The normative origins of positive theories: Ideology and accounting thought," Accounting, Organizations and Society, Elsevier, vol. 7(2), pages 167-200, April.
    2. Armstrong, Peter, 1985. "Changing management control strategies: The role of competition between accountancy and other organisational professions," Accounting, Organizations and Society, Elsevier, vol. 10(2), pages 129-148, April.
    3. Solomons, David, 1991. "Accounting and social change: A neutralist view," Accounting, Organizations and Society, Elsevier, vol. 16(3), pages 287-295.
    4. Sidebotham, Roy, 1970. "Introduction to the Theory and Context of Accounting," Elsevier Monographs, Elsevier, edition 1, number 9780080175157 edited by Brown, R & Chandler, G. & Davis, W. A..
    5. Sunder, Shyam, 2005. "Minding our manners: Accounting as social norms," The British Accounting Review, Elsevier, vol. 37(4), pages 367-387.
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    Cited by:

    1. Mauro, Sara Giovanna & Cinquini, Lino & Pianezzi, Daniela, 2021. "New Public Management between reality and illusion: Analysing the validity of performance-based budgeting," The British Accounting Review, Elsevier, vol. 53(6).
    2. Campanale, Cristina & Cinquini, Lino & Grossi, Giuseppe, 2021. "The role of multiple values in developing management accounting practices in hybrid organisations," The British Accounting Review, Elsevier, vol. 53(6).
    3. Daff, Lyn & Parker, Lee D., 2021. "A conceptual model of accountants' communication inside not-for-profit organisations," The British Accounting Review, Elsevier, vol. 53(3).

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