title: Accounting information systems as knowledge-objects: Some effects of objectualization

authors: Lowe, Alan

subjects: actor network theory

abstract: This paper will outline a research methodology informed by theorists who have contributed to actor network theory (ANT). Research informed from such a perspective recognises the constitutive role of accounting systems in the achievement of broader social goals. Latour, Knorr-Cetina and others argue that the bringing in of non-human actants, through the growth of technology and science, has added immeasurably to the complexity of modern society. The paper “sees” accounting and accounting systems as being constituted by technological “black boxes” and seeks to discuss two questions. One concerns the processes which surround the establishment of “facts”, ie. how “black-boxes” are created and accepted (even if temporarily) within society. The second concerns the role of existing “black boxes” within society and organisation. Accounting systems not only promote a particular view of the activities of an organisation or a subunit, but in their implementation and operation ‘mobilise’ other organisational members in a particular direction. The implications of such an interpretation are explored in the paper. Firstly through a discussion of some of the theoretic constructs that have been proposed to frame ANT research. Secondly an attempt is made to relate some of these ideas to aspects of the empirics in a qualitative case study. The case site is in the health sector and involves the implementations of a casemix accounting system. Evidence from the case research is used to exemplify aspects of the theoretical constructs.

text: Accounting information systems as knowledge-objects: Some effects of objectualization This paper will outline a research methodology informed by theorists who have contributed to actor network theory (ANT). Research informed from such a perspective recognises the constitutive role of accounting systems in the achievement of broader social goals. Latour, Knorr-Cetina and others argue that the bringing in of non-human actants, through the growth of technology and science, has added immeasurably to the complexity of modern society. The paper “sees” accounting and accounting systems as being constituted by technological “black boxes” and seeks to discuss two questions. One concerns the processes which surround the establishment of “facts”, ie. how “black-boxes” are created and accepted (even if temporarily) within society. The second concerns the role of existing “black boxes” within society and organisation. Accounting systems not only promote a particular view of the activities of an organisation or a subunit, but in their implementation and operation ‘mobilise’ other organisational members in a particular direction. The implications of such an interpretation are explored in the paper. Firstly through a discussion of some of the theoretic constructs that have been proposed to frame ANT research. Secondly an attempt is made to relate some of these ideas to aspects of the empirics in a qualitative case study. The case site is in the health sector and involves the implementations of a casemix accounting system. Evidence from the case research is used to exemplify aspects of the theoretical constructs.

year: 2000-08

title: Corporate governance and correlation in corporate defaults

authors: Fernando, Jayasuriya Mahapatabendige Ruwani

abstract: Manuscript Type
Empirical
Research Question/Issue
This study examines the effect of weak corporate governance in terms of concentrated ownership, low board effectiveness, low financial transparency and higher shareholder rights on default correlation when firms have different credit qualities.

Research Findings/Insights
Using historical default data in the United States from 2000 to 2015, we find that the degree of default correlation increases disproportionately for firms with concentrated ownership, low board effectiveness, low financial transparency and disclosures, and higher shareholder rights. More importantly, the effect of weak corporate governance on default correlation is high during a financial crisis.

Theoretical/Academic Implications
This is one of the first studies testing the impact of corporate governance on the correlation in corporate defaults. It indicates new avenues of research for both corporate governance and credit risk management in relation to why joint default probabilities vary among firms.

Practitioner/Policy Implications
Our results imply that good corporate governance is essential for credit risk management because poor corporate governance may increase individual default risk and create the domino effect of credit defaults. Practitioners and policy makers should enhance control over poor governance practices to reduce the probabilities of default. Moreover, the impact of corporate governance on correlation in corporate defaults is more pronounced in financial crises and warrants consideration from policy makers to take steps toward cushioning its effects.

text: Corporate governance and correlation in corporate defaults Manuscript Type
Empirical
Research Question/Issue
This study examines the effect of weak corporate governance in terms of concentrated ownership, low board effectiveness, low financial transparency and higher shareholder rights on default correlation when firms have different credit qualities.

Research Findings/Insights
Using historical default data in the United States from 2000 to 2015, we find that the degree of default correlation increases disproportionately for firms with concentrated ownership, low board effectiveness, low financial transparency and disclosures, and higher shareholder rights. More importantly, the effect of weak corporate governance on default correlation is high during a financial crisis.

Theoretical/Academic Implications
This is one of the first studies testing the impact of corporate governance on the correlation in corporate defaults. It indicates new avenues of research for both corporate governance and credit risk management in relation to why joint default probabilities vary among firms.

Practitioner/Policy Implications
Our results imply that good corporate governance is essential for credit risk management because poor corporate governance may increase individual default risk and create the domino effect of credit defaults. Practitioners and policy makers should enhance control over poor governance practices to reduce the probabilities of default. Moreover, the impact of corporate governance on correlation in corporate defaults is more pronounced in financial crises and warrants consideration from policy makers to take steps toward cushioning its effects.

year: 2019

title: Rangatiratanga - Kawanatanga: Dealing with rhetoric

authors: Nikora, Linda Waimarie

abstract: Numbered among the few Maori appointed to an academic position during the late 1980s, I have seen our discipline and profession, in all its awkward self-consciousness, make genuine attempts to grapple the respond to questions and challenges delivered by Maori and Pakeha alike.  For example, Where is the Maori content in courses?  Why aren’t Maori graduating from professional training programmes?  Why are there not more Maori academics? Where is the place/space for Maori as practitioners, academics, researchers and decision-makers?  Why does it seem that Maori are always on the ‘client’ side of the professional/client equation?  Where are the Maori men?  In responding to these persistent challenges the professional and discipline in Aotearoa/New Zealand has been irreversibly changed, in my opinion.  The change has not been dramatic (psychology is somewhat averse to self-promotion) but, of those changes that have occurred, a definite contribution has been made to advancing Maori development, to building a more bicultural discipline and practice, and to supporting the strength of the Kawanatanga and Rangatiratanga dynamic whose importance I emphasize here.

text: Rangatiratanga - Kawanatanga: Dealing with rhetoric Numbered among the few Maori appointed to an academic position during the late 1980s, I have seen our discipline and profession, in all its awkward self-consciousness, make genuine attempts to grapple the respond to questions and challenges delivered by Maori and Pakeha alike.  For example, Where is the Maori content in courses?  Why aren’t Maori graduating from professional training programmes?  Why are there not more Maori academics? Where is the place/space for Maori as practitioners, academics, researchers and decision-makers?  Why does it seem that Maori are always on the ‘client’ side of the professional/client equation?  Where are the Maori men?  In responding to these persistent challenges the professional and discipline in Aotearoa/New Zealand has been irreversibly changed, in my opinion.  The change has not been dramatic (psychology is somewhat averse to self-promotion) but, of those changes that have occurred, a definite contribution has been made to advancing Maori development, to building a more bicultural discipline and practice, and to supporting the strength of the Kawanatanga and Rangatiratanga dynamic whose importance I emphasize here.

year: 2001