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The accountants’ perspective on sustainable business practices in SMEs

Author

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  • Belinda Rachael Williams
  • Gary O'Donovan

Abstract

Purpose - – This paper aims to explore the accountants’ perspective towards their role and function as business advisors in assisting with the adoption of sustainable business practices (SBPs) in small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Design/methodology/approach - – A questionnaire-based study was conducted on members from one of Australia’s leading professional accounting organizations. Findings - – Key findings from this research highlighted deficiencies in the effectiveness of the accounting profession in assisting SMEs in implementing SBPs despite a desire from clients for accountants to provide this advice and a belief that accountants are best placed to do so. Further, an expectations gap is evident between the level of involvement accountants believe they should be having in assisting SMEs and the level of involvement that is currently occurring. Research limitations/implications - – This finding has implications for the accounting profession, with accountants needing to examine their current business approaches in an effort to close this gap. If this does not occur, SMEs will most likely seek this much-needed advice and support from outside the profession. Originality/value - – Little attention has been given to the accountant’s role in respect of sustainability from an accountant’s perspective. The findings contribute to understanding the accountant’s importance in advancing their involvement in assisting SMEs in the uptake of SBPs.

Suggested Citation

  • Belinda Rachael Williams & Gary O'Donovan, 2015. "The accountants’ perspective on sustainable business practices in SMEs," Social Responsibility Journal, Emerald Group Publishing Limited, vol. 11(3), pages 641-656, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:eme:srjpps:v:11:y:2015:i:3:p:641-656
    DOI: 10.1108/SRJ-07-2014-0096
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    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. Reginald Masocha, 2018. "Does Environmental Sustainability Impact Innovation, Ecological and Social Measures of Firm Performance of SMEs? Evidence from South Africa," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 10(11), pages 1-11, October.
    2. Meipry Amelia & Yvonne Augustine Sudibyo, 2023. "The effect of environmental awareness, the role of accountants, and sustainable development on climate change," Technium Social Sciences Journal, Technium Science, vol. 39(1), pages 716-729, January.
    3. Ainon Ramli & Rosmaizura Mohd Zain & Muhammad Ashlyzan Razik & Abu Sofian Yaacob, 2017. "Micro Businesses: Do They Need Accounting?," International Journal of Academic Research in Business and Social Sciences, Human Resource Management Academic Research Society, International Journal of Academic Research in Business and Social Sciences, vol. 7(9), pages 185-206, September.

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