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In Search of 'Successful' Accounting Research

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  • Wai Fong Chua

Abstract

This critical commentary on Ohlson's paper (in this issue) problematises the concept of 'successful' accounting research; highlighting its ex-post, variable nature as a socially manufactured object. Contrasting Ohlson's notion of a singular body of shared 'common knowledge' in accounting with the plurality of knowledges valued by different research communities, the commentary advocates a deliberate courting of heterogeneous research paradigms so as to stimulate insightful scholarship. The commentary also reflects on systemic trends underlying the growth of research measurement programmes, and points out that the quest for 'successful' research could perversely undermine the generation of memorable and innovative research. Finally, individual researchers are encouraged at each career stage to determine for themselves the intended results to which they aspire, conscious that there are multiple notions of 'successful' research and therefore multiple routes to success.

Suggested Citation

  • Wai Fong Chua, 2011. "In Search of 'Successful' Accounting Research," European Accounting Review, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 20(1), pages 27-39.
  • Handle: RePEc:taf:euract:v:20:y:2011:i:1:p:27-39
    DOI: 10.1080/09638180.2011.559033
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Donald Mackenzie & Fabian Muniesa & Lucia Siu, 2007. "Do Economists Make Markets? On the Performativity of Economics," Post-Print halshs-00149145, HAL.
    2. Anthony Hopwood, 2008. "Changing Pressures on the Research Process: On Trying to Research in an Age when Curiosity is not Enough," European Accounting Review, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 17(1), pages 87-96.
    3. Yves Gendron, 2008. "Constituting the Academic Performer: The Spectre of Superficiality and Stagnation in Academia," European Accounting Review, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 17(1), pages 97-127.
    4. Chan, Kam C. & Chan, Kam C. & Seow, Gim S. & Tam, Kinsun, 2009. "Ranking accounting journals using dissertation citation analysis: A research note," Accounting, Organizations and Society, Elsevier, vol. 34(6-7), pages 875-885, August.
    5. Kam Chan & Carl Chen & Louis Cheng, 2005. "Ranking Research Productivity in Accounting for Asia-Pacific Universities," Review of Quantitative Finance and Accounting, Springer, vol. 24(1), pages 47-64, January.
    6. Donald MacKenzie & Fabian Muniesa & Lucia Siu, 2007. "Introduction to Do Economists Make Markets? On the Performativity of Economics," Introductory Chapters, in: Donald MacKenzie & Fabian Muniesa & Lucia Siu (ed.),Do Economists Make Markets? On the Performativity of Economics, Princeton University Press.
    7. Dye, Ronald A., 2001. "An evaluation of "essays on disclosure" and the disclosure literature in accounting," Journal of Accounting and Economics, Elsevier, vol. 32(1-3), pages 181-235, December.
    8. Kam C. Chan & Carl R. Chen & Louis T. W. Cheng, 2007. "Global ranking of accounting programmes and the elite effect in accounting research," Accounting and Finance, Accounting and Finance Association of Australia and New Zealand, vol. 47(2), pages 187-220, June.
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    Cited by:

    1. Dixon, Keith, 2013. "Growth and dispersion of accounting research about New Zealand before and during a National Research Assessment Exercise: Five decades of academic journals bibliometrics," MPRA Paper 51100, University Library of Munich, Germany.
    2. Maria Serena Chiucchi, 2014. "Editoriale. Il gap tra teoria e prassi nel Management Accounting: il contributo della field-based research," MANAGEMENT CONTROL, FrancoAngeli Editore, vol. 2014(3), pages 5-9.
    3. Pelger, Christoph & Grottke, Markus, 2015. "What about the future of the academy? – Some remarks on the looming colonisation of doctoral education," CRITICAL PERSPECTIVES ON ACCOUNTING, Elsevier, vol. 26(C), pages 117-129.

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