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Chinese bookkeeping systems: a study of accounting adaptation and change

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  • Z. Lin

Abstract

The evolution of bookkeeping methods is one of the main features in the advance of Chinese accounting over several thousand years. This paper outlines the invention and application of Chinese-style bookkeeping methods from a historical perspective. With an emphasis on the rise and fall of the 'increase-decrease' bookkeeping method in the mid-1960s to 1980s, the paper not only illustrates the main characteristics of this bookkeeping system, but also analyses its relative strengths and deficiencies in contrast to the Italian-style debit-credit bookkeeping system. It is contended that the increase-decrease system is a continuing innovation of the Chinese-style bookkeeping and an attempt to adapt the western bookkeeping system in terms of the Chinese social and cultural traditions. Studies of this bookkeeping system may generate certain insightful input for the potential improvement of modern bookkeeping in other countries in light of the changing technological and economic conditions.

Suggested Citation

  • Z. Lin, 2003. "Chinese bookkeeping systems: a study of accounting adaptation and change," Accounting History Review, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 13(1), pages 83-98.
    • Handle: RePEc:taf:acbsfi:v:13:y:2003:i:1:p:83-98
    DOI: 10.1080/09f85200210164566f
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Maxwell Aiken & Wei Lu, 1998. "The Evolution of Bookkeeping in China: Integrating Historical Trends with Western Influences," Abacus, Accounting Foundation, University of Sydney, vol. 34(1), pages 140-162, March.
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    Cited by:

    1. Luca Zan & Qingmei Xue, 2011. "Budgeting China. Macro‐policies and micro‐practices in public sector changes," Accounting, Auditing & Accountability Journal, Emerald Group Publishing Limited, vol. 24(1), pages 38-62, January.
    2. 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.

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