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'If only there were simple solutions, but there aren't': some reflections on Zimmerman's critique of empirical management accounting research

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  • Anthony Hopwood

Abstract

Although having some sympathies with Zimmerman's critique of Ittner and Larcker's review of the empirical management accounting research literature, this analysis points out how Zimmerman has too easily allowed his own prejudices to influence both his assessment of the empirical management accounting literature and his recommendations for improvement. Particular emphasis is put on analysing Zimmerman's classification of the accounting research literature and his unproblematic optimism in the potential of economic modes of understanding.

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  • Anthony Hopwood, 2002. "'If only there were simple solutions, but there aren't': some reflections on Zimmerman's critique of empirical management accounting research," European Accounting Review, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 11(4), pages 777-785.
    • Handle: RePEc:taf:euract:v:11:y:2002:i:4:p:777-785
    DOI: 10.1080/0963818022000047073
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    1. Ittner, Christopher D. & Larcker, David F., 2001. "Assessing empirical research in managerial accounting: a value-based management perspective," Journal of Accounting and Economics, Elsevier, vol. 32(1-3), pages 349-410, December.
    2. 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.
    3. Chapman, Christopher S., 1997. "Reflections on a contingent view of accounting," Accounting, Organizations and Society, Elsevier, vol. 22(2), pages 189-205, February.
    4. Gordon, Lawrence A. & Miller, Danny, 1976. "A contingency framework for the design of accounting information systems," Accounting, Organizations and Society, Elsevier, vol. 1(1), pages 59-69, January.
    5. Chenhall, Robert H., 2003. "Management control systems design within its organizational context: findings from contingency-based research and directions for the future," Accounting, Organizations and Society, Elsevier, vol. 28(2-3), pages 127-168.
    6. Luft, Joan & Shields, Michael D., 2003. "Erratum to "Mapping management accounting: graphics and guidelines for theory-consistent empirical research" [Accounting Organizations and Society 28 (2003) 169-249]," Accounting, Organizations and Society, Elsevier, vol. 28(7-8), pages 815-815.
    7. Dye, Ronald A., 2001. "An evaluation of "essays on disclosure" and the disclosure literature in accounting," Journal of Accounting and Economics, Elsevier, vol. 32(1-3), pages 181-235, December.
    8. Zimmerman, Jerold L., 2001. "Conjectures regarding empirical managerial accounting research," Journal of Accounting and Economics, Elsevier, vol. 32(1-3), pages 411-427, December.
    9. March, James G., 1987. "Ambiguity and accounting: The elusive link between information and decision making," Accounting, Organizations and Society, Elsevier, vol. 12(2), pages 153-168, March.
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    Cited by:

    1. Jana Fibírová, 2008. "The Competitive Advantage of Management Accounting [Konkurenční výhoda manažerského účetnictví]," Český finanční a účetní časopis, Prague University of Economics and Business, vol. 2008(2), pages 78-90.
    2. Mary A. Malina & Hanne S.O. Nørreklit & Frank H. Selto, 2011. "Lessons learned: advantages and disadvantages of mixed method research," Qualitative Research in Accounting & Management, Emerald Group Publishing Limited, vol. 8(1), pages 59-71, April.
    3. Ahrens, Thomas & Becker, Albrecht & Burns, John & Chapman, Christopher S. & Granlund, Markus & Habersam, Michael & Hansen, Allan & Khalifa, Rihab & Malmi, Teemu & Mennicken, Andrea & Mikes, Anette & P, 2008. "The future of interpretive accounting research—A polyphonic debate," CRITICAL PERSPECTIVES ON ACCOUNTING, Elsevier, vol. 19(6), pages 840-866.
    4. Carolyn Stringer, 2007. "Empirical performance management research: observations fromAOSandMAR," Qualitative Research in Accounting & Management, Emerald Group Publishing Limited, vol. 4(2), pages 92-114, June.
    5. Rolf Uwe Fülbier & Joerg‐Markus Hitz & Thorsten Sellhorn, 2009. "Relevance of Academic Research and Researchers' Role in the IASB's Financial Reporting Standard Setting," Abacus, Accounting Foundation, University of Sydney, vol. 45(4), pages 455-492, December.
    6. Collin, Sven-Olof Yrjö & Tagesson, Torbjörn & Andersson, Anette & Cato, Joosefin & Hansson, Karin, 2009. "Explaining the choice of accounting standards in municipal corporations: Positive accounting theory and institutional theory as competitive or concurrent theories," CRITICAL PERSPECTIVES ON ACCOUNTING, Elsevier, vol. 20(2), pages 141-174.
    7. Tucker, Basil P. & Tilt, Carol A., 2019. "‘You know it when you see it’: In search of ‘the ideal’ research culture in university accounting faculties," CRITICAL PERSPECTIVES ON ACCOUNTING, Elsevier, vol. 64(C).
    8. Laurence Van Lent, 2007. "Endogeneity in Management Accounting Research: A Comment," European Accounting Review, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 16(1), pages 197-205.
    9. Alberto Quagli & Francesco Avallone & Paola Ramassa, 2016. "The Real Impact Factor and the Gap between Accounting Research and Practice," FINANCIAL REPORTING, FrancoAngeli Editore, vol. 2016(1), pages 29-57.
    10. van Lent, L.A.G.M., 2007. "Endogeneity in management accounting research : A comment," Other publications TiSEM 8bcd5bc8-5fdd-4aa4-9b3f-8, Tilburg University, School of Economics and Management.
    11. João Lunkes Rogério & Ripoll Feliu Vicente M. & Silva Da Rosa Fabricia, 2012. "Pesquisa científica em contabilidade gerencial: estudo comparativo entre Espanha e Brasil," Contaduría y Administración, Accounting and Management, vol. 57(2), pages 159-184, abril-jun.
    12. Salvador Carmona & Kari Lukka, 2010. "Anthony G. Hopwood, 1944-2010," European Accounting Review, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 19(3), pages 395-398.
    13. Allan Hansen, 2011. "Relating performative and ostensive management accounting research," Qualitative Research in Accounting & Management, Emerald Group Publishing Limited, vol. 8(2), pages 108-138, June.
    14. Teemu Malmi & Markus Granlund, 2009. "Agreeing on Problems, Where are the Solutions? A Reply to Quattrone," European Accounting Review, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 18(3), pages 631-639.
    15. Malsch, Bertrand & Tessier, Sophie, 2015. "Journal ranking effects on junior academics: Identity fragmentation and politicization," CRITICAL PERSPECTIVES ON ACCOUNTING, Elsevier, vol. 26(C), pages 84-98.
    16. Fasshauer, Ingrid, 2012. "Les interactions entre contrôle et stratégie : redéfinition du rôle des cadres intermédiaires et du levier interactif de contrôle," Economics Thesis from University Paris Dauphine, Paris Dauphine University, number 123456789/11150 edited by Berland, Nicolas.

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