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The 'third hand': Private sector consultants in public sector accounting change

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  • Mark Christensen

Abstract

This paper explores the role of large private sector consulting firms in the promotion and implementation of public sector accrual accounting. By focusing on an early adopter of accrual accounting for its entire public sector, this research presents an analysis of the activities of large consulting firms in the process of a significant public sector accounting change. The role of consultants in the change is presented by analysing primary data extracted from archival sources and oral histories provided by a number of prominent actors classified as users of information (politicians), producers of information (bureaucrats) or accounting consultants. The role and impact of the consulting firms' actions can be better understood by applying concepts of non-coercive isomorphism and the interplay between self-interest and perceived public interest. The consulting firms are shown to have used phantom images to promote the case for accounting change. This was done with a zealous belief that bringing public sector accounting into line with private sector accounting was an inherently righteous objective.

Suggested Citation

  • Mark Christensen, 2005. "The 'third hand': Private sector consultants in public sector accounting change," European Accounting Review, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 14(3), pages 447-474.
    • Handle: RePEc:taf:euract:v:14:y:2005:i:3:p:447-474
    DOI: 10.1080/0963818042000306217
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    Cited by:

    1. Himick, Darlene & Brivot, Marion, 2018. "Carriers of ideas in accounting standard-setting and financialization: The role of epistemic communities," Accounting, Organizations and Society, Elsevier, vol. 66(C), pages 29-44.
    2. Adhikari, Pawan & Kuruppu, Chamara & Matilal, Sumohon, 2013. "Dissemination and institutionalization of public sector accounting reforms in less developed countries: A comparative study of the Nepalese and Sri Lankan central governments," Accounting forum, Elsevier, vol. 37(3), pages 213-230.
    3. Jupe, Robert & Funnell, Warwick, 2015. "Neoliberalism, consultants and the privatisation of public policy formulation: The case of Britain's rail industry," CRITICAL PERSPECTIVES ON ACCOUNTING, Elsevier, vol. 29(C), pages 65-85.
    4. Louise Kl00t, 2006. "Budget Reporting in Local Government: Problem or Solution?," Australian Accounting Review, CPA Australia, vol. 16(40), pages 72-81, November.
    5. Weetman, Pauline, 2006. "Discovering the ‘international’ in accounting and finance," The British Accounting Review, Elsevier, vol. 38(4), pages 351-370.
    6. Mark Christensen, 2007. "What We Might Know (But Aren't Sure) About Public-Sector Accrual Accounting," Australian Accounting Review, CPA Australia, vol. 17(41), pages 51-65, March.
    7. Allan Barton, 2009. "The Use and Abuse of Accounting in the Public Sector Financial Management Reform Program in Australia," Abacus, Accounting Foundation, University of Sydney, vol. 45(2), pages 221-248, June.
    8. P. Windels & J. Christiaens, 2007. "The Adoption Of Accrual Accounting In Flemish Public Centres For Social Welfare: Examining The Importance Of Agents Of Change," Working Papers of Faculty of Economics and Business Administration, Ghent University, Belgium 07/451, Ghent University, Faculty of Economics and Business Administration.
    9. Everett, Jeff & Neu, Dean & Rahaman, Abu Shiraz, 2007. "Accounting and the global fight against corruption," Accounting, Organizations and Society, Elsevier, vol. 32(6), pages 513-542, August.
    10. Khoirul Aswar, 2019. "Factors on the Accrual Accounting Adoption: Empirical Evidence from Indonesia," International Journal of Business and Economic Sciences Applied Research (IJBESAR), International Hellenic University (IHU), Kavala Campus, Greece (formerly Eastern Macedonia and Thrace Institute of Technology - EMaTTech), vol. 12(3), pages 36-42, December.
    11. Marek Szczepanski & Krzysztof Kolodziejczyk, 2021. "A Change in Management Perspective on the Implementation of the Employee Capital Plans in Poland," European Research Studies Journal, European Research Studies Journal, vol. 0(Special 5), pages 758-771.
    12. Vincenzo Sforza & Pietro Marigonda & Bruno Bernardi & Alberto Domenicali, 2019. "L?impiego del controllo di gestione negli atenei: i risultati di un?indagine AssoController," MANAGEMENT CONTROL, FrancoAngeli Editore, vol. 2019(3), pages 99-122.
    13. Christensen, Mark & Newberry, Susan & Potter, Bradley N., 2019. "Enabling global accounting change: Epistemic communities and the creation of a ‘more business-like’ public sector," CRITICAL PERSPECTIVES ON ACCOUNTING, Elsevier, vol. 58(C), pages 53-76.
    14. Sandra Cohen & Sotirios Karatzimas, 2016. "Modernizing government accounting standards in Greece: a case of ‘garbage can’ decision-making," Public Money & Management, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 36(3), pages 173-180, April.

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