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Reforming central government: An evaluation of an accounting innovation

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  • Ezzamel, M.
  • Hyndman, N.
  • Johnsen, A.
  • Lapsley, I.

Abstract

This paper examines a significant accounting innovation in central government accounting – the introduction of Resource Accounting and Budgeting (RAB) in the UK. This innovation is studied through the lens of Rogers diffusion theory. The study setting is the Scotland Parliament. This research shows that, in the terms of diffusion theory, RAB can be classified as an accounting innovation. However, the implementation of RAB is problematic. While the reform of the UK central government system was initially sought as a mechanism to enhance democratic accountability, this paper shows that RAB does not connect with parliamentarians. The introduction of RAB flows as much from a managerial agenda as it does from the aim of democratic accountability.

Suggested Citation

  • Ezzamel, M. & Hyndman, N. & Johnsen, A. & Lapsley, I., 2014. "Reforming central government: An evaluation of an accounting innovation," CRITICAL PERSPECTIVES ON ACCOUNTING, Elsevier, vol. 25(4), pages 409-422.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:crpeac:v:25:y:2014:i:4:p:409-422
    DOI: 10.1016/j.cpa.2013.05.006
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    Cited by:

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    2. Begkos, Christos & Antonopoulou, Katerina & Ronzani, Matteo, 2024. "To datafication and beyond: Digital transformation and accounting technologies in the healthcare sector," The British Accounting Review, Elsevier, vol. 56(4).
    3. Zubir Azhar & Ervina Alfan & Krishnen Kishan & Nurul Husna Assanah, 2022. "Accrual Accounting at Different Levels of the Public Sector: A Systematic Literature Review," Australian Accounting Review, CPA Australia, vol. 32(1), pages 36-62, March.
    4. Dillard, Jesse & Vinnari, Eija, 2017. "A case study of critique: Critical perspectives on critical accounting," CRITICAL PERSPECTIVES ON ACCOUNTING, Elsevier, vol. 43(C), pages 88-109.
    5. Crepaz, Lukas & Huber, Christian & Scheytt, Tobias, 2016. "Governing arts through valuation: The role of the state as network actor in the European Capital of Culture 2010," CRITICAL PERSPECTIVES ON ACCOUNTING, Elsevier, vol. 37(C), pages 35-50.
    6. Grzegorz Bucior & Aleksandra Zurawik, 2022. "The Autonomy of Public Sector Units in the Process of Formulating Accounting Policy – Evidence from Poland," European Research Studies Journal, European Research Studies Journal, vol. 0(3), pages 555-581.
    7. Liguori, Mariannunziata & Steccolini, Ileana, 2018. "The power of language in legitimating public-sector reforms: When politicians “talk” accounting," The British Accounting Review, Elsevier, vol. 50(2), pages 161-173.
    8. Francesco Badia & Tiziana Landi & Valentina Montin, 2019. "Innovation in Public Sector Accounting: a New Role for Local Governments?," Working Papers 2019048, University of Ferrara, Department of Economics.
    9. Gibassier, Delphine, 2017. "From écobilan to LCA: The elite’s institutional work in the creation of an environmental management accounting tool," CRITICAL PERSPECTIVES ON ACCOUNTING, Elsevier, vol. 42(C), pages 36-58.

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