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Understanding financial information used to assess small firm performance

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  • Abdel K. Halabi
  • Rowena Barrett
  • Robyn Dyt

Abstract

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to investigate the reality of financial and management accounting in a small group of small firms. Specifically, from the owner's perspective, an exploration is undertaken to see what financial information is collected, how it is used (or not) to make business decisions and evaluate the firm's performance, and the role played by the accountant in that process. Design/methodology/approach - A phenomenological paradigm underpins this exploratory study. Semi‐structured interviews were undertaken with the owners of ten small firms, where the focus was on understanding what happens in an organisational setting, as opposed to theory and textbook practice. Findings - The qualitative data supported prior research in other countries. The in‐depth analysis revealed a very basic understanding of accounting information and problems with the financial literacy amongst these small firm owners. Accounting reports were not widely produced or used, so an informal assessment, such as how much cash was in the bank, was the primary means of assessing business performance. Accountants were used for taxation services, although some owners sought more general business advice. Originality/value - An understanding is developed of why there might be a gap between textbook rhetoric and reality of accounting practice in small firms. The conclusion is that accounting textbooks need to include more information about the reality of financial management in small firms.

Suggested Citation

  • Abdel K. Halabi & Rowena Barrett & Robyn Dyt, 2010. "Understanding financial information used to assess small firm performance," Qualitative Research in Accounting & Management, Emerald Group Publishing Limited, vol. 7(2), pages 163-179, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:eme:qrampp:v:7:y:2010:i:2:p:163-179
    DOI: 10.1108/11766091011050840
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    2. Panita Rachapaettayakom & Mongkolchai Wiriyapinit & Nagul Cooharojananone & Suparatana Tanthanongsakkun & Nuttirudee Charoenruk, 2020. "The need for financial knowledge acquisition tools and technology by small business entrepreneurs," Journal of Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Springer, vol. 9(1), pages 1-28, December.
    3. Azmi, Anna & Sapiei, Noor Sharoja & Mustapha, Mohd Zulkhairi & Abdullah, Mazni, 2016. "SMEs' tax compliance costs and IT adoption: the case of a value-added tax," International Journal of Accounting Information Systems, Elsevier, vol. 23(C), pages 1-13.
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    5. Stone, Gerard William, 2011. "Readability of accountants’ communications with small business—Some Australian evidence," Accounting forum, Elsevier, vol. 35(4), pages 247-261.
    6. Stefanie De Bruyckere & Patricia Everaert, 2021. "The Role of the External Accountant in Business Planning for Starters: Perspective of the Self-Determination Theory," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(6), pages 1-24, March.
    7. Howard M. Armitage & Dorian Lane & Alan Webb, 2020. "Budget Development and Use in Small‐ and Medium‐Sized Enterprises: A Field Investigation," Accounting Perspectives, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 19(3), pages 205-240, September.
    8. Kamilah Ahmad, 2017. "The Implementation of Management Accounting Practices and its Relationship with Performance in Small and Medium Enterprises," International Review of Management and Marketing, Econjournals, vol. 7(1), pages 342-353.
    9. García-Pérez-de-Lema, Domingo & Ruiz-Palomo, Daniel & Diéguez-Soto, Julio, 2021. "Analysing the roles of CEO's financial literacy and financial constraints on Spanish SMEs technological innovation," Technology in Society, Elsevier, vol. 64(C).
    10. Francesca Sgr? & Federica Palazzi & Massimo Ciambotti & Lorenzo Gelsomini, 2020. "Factors promoting and hindering the adoption of management accounting tools. Evidence from Italian manufacturing SMEs," MANAGEMENT CONTROL, FrancoAngeli Editore, vol. 2020(Suppl. 1), pages 19-38.
    11. Camelia Mirela Baba, 2012. "Managers’ Perspectives Regarding the Fiscal and Accounting Education in Romania," BRAND. Broad Research in Accounting, Negotiation, and Distribution, EduSoft Publishing, vol. 3(3), pages 74-79, December.
    12. Mara Del Baldo & Anna Maria Arcari & Marcantonio Ruisi, 2019. "Controllo di gestione nelle PMI e consulenti esterni," MANAGEMENT CONTROL, FrancoAngeli Editore, vol. 2019(1 suppl.), pages 69-94.
    13. Barbara Iannone & Carlo Piretti, 2021. "L?approccio integrato al controllo aziendale in un periodo di crisi "eccezionale". Il caso del Gruppo Farnese," MANAGEMENT CONTROL, FrancoAngeli Editore, vol. 2021(1), pages 81-104.
    14. Federica Palazzi & Massimo Ciambotti & Lorenzo Gelsomini, 2019. "L?adozione dell?Activity-Based Costing nelle PMI: analisi di un caso," MANAGEMENT CONTROL, FrancoAngeli Editore, vol. 2019(1), pages 97-122.
    15. Joana Patrícia Friães dos Santos & Amélia Maria Martins Pires & Paula Odete Fernandes, 2018. "The importance to financial information in the decision-making process in company’s family structure," Contaduría y Administración, Accounting and Management, vol. 63(2), pages 35-36, Junio.

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