Indigenous practices of accounting on the ground: a Bourdieusian perspective (2022)

Type of Content
Journal ArticlePublisher
EmeraldISSN
0951-3574Language
enCollections
Abstract
Purpose: This study explores accounting practice in an Indigenous organization. This organization is embedded within a rural Aboriginal community in the country currently known as Australia. In doing so, this study illustrates the intertwining of accounting practice, practitioners, organizations and social/cultural context, while recognizing that the cultural embeddedness of accounting is not uniform. Design/methodology/approach: Empirical materials were collected as part of a qualitative field study with an Indigenous organization. Specific methods include interviews, informal conversations, documentary reviews and participant observations. These materials were analysed through a Bourdieusian perspective. Findings: By working with Indigenous Peoples on the ground, rather than relying on secondary materials, this study highlights how the values of a community challenge and reorient accounting practice towards community aspirations. This study illustrates how fields beyond the organization influence accounting practice, including in budgeting and assurance. Originality/value: Exploring Indigenous practices of accounting maintains Indigenous agency and opens up space for alternative understandings and practices of accounting. By illustrating how a community can influence the accounting practice of an organization, this study has implications for wider understandings of the cultural embeddedness of mainstream accounting and possible alternatives.
Citation
Fukofuka P, Scobie M, Finau G Indigenous practices of accounting on the ground: a Bourdieusian perspective (2022). Accounting, Auditing &; Accountability Journal. (ahead-of-print).This citation is automatically generated and may be unreliable. Use as a guide only.
ANZSRC Fields of Research
45 - Indigenous studies::4505 - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, society and community::450501 - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander accounting45 - Indigenous studies::4519 - Other Indigenous data, methodologies and global Indigenous studies::451904 - Global Indigenous studies peoples, society and community
44 - Human society::4410 - Sociology::441006 - Sociological methodology and research methods
35 - Commerce, management, tourism and services::3501 - Accounting, auditing and accountability::350199 - Accounting, auditing and accountability not elsewhere classified
44 - Human society::4401 - Anthropology::440107 - Social and cultural anthropology
Rights
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