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Western accounting reforms and accountability in wealth redistribution in patronage-based Nigerian society

Author

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  • Owolabi Bakre
  • Sarah George Lauwo
  • Sean McCartney

Abstract

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to investigate the claim that Western accounting reforms, in particular the adoption of International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSASs) would enhance transparency and accountability and reduce corruption in patronage-based developing countries such as Nigeria. Design/methodology/approach - The paper utilises the patron/clientelism framework to examine the dynamics of Western accounting reforms in the Nigerian patronage-based society, in which the institutions of governance and regulatory structures are arguably weak. The paper utilises archival data and interviews conducted with representatives of state bodies (elected politicians and officials) and professional accounting associations. Findings - Results from two major reforms (the sale of government-owned residential properties in Lagos and the monetisation of fringe benefits for public officials) are presented. Despite the claim of the adoption of Western accounting standards, and in particular IPSAS 17, which requires full accrual accounting and the utilisation of fair value in property valuation, historical cost accounting appeared to have been mobilised to massively corrupt the process for the benefit of politicians, other serving and retired public officials and family members. Originality/value - This study contributes to the current literature by providing evidence of the relationship between patronage, corruption and accounting in wealth redistribution in the patronage-based Nigerian socio-political and economic context.

Suggested Citation

  • Owolabi Bakre & Sarah George Lauwo & Sean McCartney, 2017. "Western accounting reforms and accountability in wealth redistribution in patronage-based Nigerian society," Accounting, Auditing & Accountability Journal, Emerald Group Publishing Limited, vol. 30(6), pages 1288-1308, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:eme:aaajpp:aaaj-03-2016-2477
    DOI: 10.1108/AAAJ-03-2016-2477
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    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. Bakre, Owolabi M. & McCartney, Sean & Fayemi, Simeon Olufemi, 2022. "Accounting as a technology of neoliberalism: The accountability role of IPSAS in Nigeria," CRITICAL PERSPECTIVES ON ACCOUNTING, Elsevier, vol. 87(C).
    2. Kimani, Danson & Ullah, Subhan & Kodwani, Devendra & Akhtar, Pervaiz, 2021. "Analysing corporate governance and accountability practices from an African neo-patrimonialism perspective: Insights from Kenya," CRITICAL PERSPECTIVES ON ACCOUNTING, Elsevier, vol. 78(C).
    3. Ismail Adelopo & Ibrahim Rufai & Moshood Bello, 2023. "Financial Accountability and Religious Sentiments: The Case of Sukuk Bond," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 182(2), pages 397-420, January.
    4. Vincent Tawiah, 2023. "The Effect of IPSAS Adoption on Governance Quality: Evidence from Developing and Developed Countries," Public Organization Review, Springer, vol. 23(1), pages 305-324, March.
    5. Bakre, Owolabi M. & McCartney, Sean & Fayemi, Simeon Femi & Nurunnabi, Mohammad & Almosa, Saad, 2024. "Neoliberalism, ‘honour’-based regulatory frameworks of accounting and accountability in a social context: An examination of the role of accounting in the management of subsidies on petroleum products ," CRITICAL PERSPECTIVES ON ACCOUNTING, Elsevier, vol. 99(C).
    6. Lassou, Philippe J.C. & Hopper, Trevor & Ntim, Collins, 2021. "How the colonial legacy frames state audit institutions in Benin that fail to curb corruption," CRITICAL PERSPECTIVES ON ACCOUNTING, Elsevier, vol. 78(C).
    7. Ferry, Laurence & Midgley, Henry & Haslam, Jim, 2024. "Democracy, accountability, accounting and trust: A critical perspective reflecting on a UK Parliamentary inquiry into the role of government accounts," CRITICAL PERSPECTIVES ON ACCOUNTING, Elsevier, vol. 99(C).
    8. Jayasinghe, Kelum & Adhikari, Pawan & Soobaroyen, Teerooven & Wynne, Andy & Malagila, John & Abdurafiu, Noah, 2021. "Government accounting reforms in Sub-Saharan African countries and the selective ignorance of the epistemic community: A competing logics perspective," CRITICAL PERSPECTIVES ON ACCOUNTING, Elsevier, vol. 78(C).

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