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The influences of Confucianism, Feng Shui and Buddhism in Chinese accounting history

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  • Simon Gao
  • Morrison Handley-Schachler

Abstract

This paper attempts to examine the influences of Confucianism, Feng Shui and Buddhism on the evolution of Chinese accounting before recent accounting reforms commencing in the 1980s. Chinese cultural variables (e.g. Confucianism, Taoism, Buddhism, etc.) have been widely utilized in studying Chinese accounting systems, the accounting profession and the evolution of Chinese accounting techniques. However, the literature has not taken into account the traditional Chinese Feng Shui belief, which was broadly considered as the most important part of Chinese traditional culture. There is much evidence to show that Chinese accounting development was not only influenced by Confucianism, Taoism and Buddhism, but also by the prevalence of Feng Shui belief in ancient China over thousands of years. This paper first discusses the concepts of culture and describes Confucianism, Feng Shui and Buddhism in China, and then examines the influences of Confucianism, Feng Shui and Buddhism on the evolution of Chinese accounting. The influences discussed are those on bookkeeping methods, accounting information, accounting profession/accountants, regulating and standardizing accounting practice, government accounting and private-sector accounting respectively. This paper also identifies some areas for future research in Chinese accounting history and culture.

Suggested Citation

  • Simon Gao & Morrison Handley-Schachler, 2003. "The influences of Confucianism, Feng Shui and Buddhism in Chinese accounting history," Accounting History Review, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 13(1), pages 41-68.
    • Handle: RePEc:taf:acbsfi:v:13:y:2003:i:1:p:41-68
    DOI: 10.1080/09585200210164566d
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    2. Wang, Kewen & Li, Jingqiang & Qiao, Yuanbo & Chang, Shilong, 2024. "Corporate social responsibility Feng Shui and firm value," Annals of Tourism Research, Elsevier, vol. 105(C).
    3. Woo, Chi-Keung & Horowitz, Ira & Luk, Stephen & Lai, Aaron, 2008. "Willingness to pay and nuanced cultural cues: Evidence from Hong Kong's license-plate auction market," Journal of Economic Psychology, Elsevier, vol. 29(1), pages 35-53, February.
    4. Robert Bloom & John Solotko, 2003. "The foundation of Confucianism in Chinese and Japanese accounting," Accounting History Review, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 13(1), pages 27-40.
    5. Jenny Jing Wang & Corinne Cortese, 2021. "Tracing dual entry beyond the Eurocentric boundary," Accounting and Finance, Accounting and Finance Association of Australia and New Zealand, vol. 61(4), pages 5051-5071, December.
    6. Hoskin, Keith & Macve, Richard, 2012. "Contesting the indigenous development of “Chinese double-entry bookkeeping” and its significance in China’s economic institutions and business organization before c.1850," LSE Research Online Documents on Economics 42583, London School of Economics and Political Science, LSE Library.
    7. Roberta Provasi, 2013. "L?evoluzione contabile in Cina. Origini e confronti con il metodo partiduplistico italiano," CONTABILIT? E CULTURA AZIENDALE, FrancoAngeli Editore, vol. 2013(1), pages 91-115.
    8. Malcolm Anderson, 2004. "Accounting history publications 2003," Accounting History Review, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 14(2), pages 209-215.
    9. Göthlich, Stephan E., 2007. "Zur Ideengeschichte von Buchführung, Kostenrechung und Controlling vor dem Hintergrund ihres historischen Kontexts," Manuskripte aus den Instituten für Betriebswirtschaftslehre der Universität Kiel 617, Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel, Institut für Betriebswirtschaftslehre.
    10. Silvia Rossetti & Roberto Verona, 2017. "International Differences in IFRS Policy Choice and the Persistence of Accounting Classification: The Case of China," International Journal of Business and Management, Canadian Center of Science and Education, vol. 12(2), pages 1-27, January.
    11. George Lan & Zhenzhong Ma & JianAn Cao & He Zhang, 2009. "A Comparison of Personal Values of Chinese Accounting Practitioners and Students," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 88(1), pages 59-76, April.

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