TY - CHAP
T1 - Developments in public sector accounting practices
T2 - The ghanaian experience
AU - Simpson, Samuel Nana Yaw
PY - 2012
Y1 - 2012
N2 - Purpose - This chapter examines developments in public sector accounting practices using evidence from a developing country (Ghana), and explores the motivations for such developments from post-independence to date. This stems from the limited research in public sector accounting particularly on developing countries despite the rich empirical context that they provide for the global research community. Design/methodology/approach - Advocating for institutional theory, data was gathered from multiple sources including interviews, discussions and documents to achieve the above objectives. Findings - Evidence gathered shows gradual shift from cash accounting to accrual accounting practices (modified), including computerization of the entire public sector accounting and reporting processes. Indeed, the World Bank and IMF sponsored reform (PUFMARP) instigated many of the major developments in the public sector accounting practices, including the adoption of accrual accounting and deployment of integrated financial management information system. Research limitations/implications - Findings on developments during the post-colonial period were only based on the analysis of few documentary sources. Originality/value - The study contributes to the limited studies in public sector accounting from developing countries and Africa in particular. It also extends the application of institutional theory in public sector accounting research. Implications - Findings inform practitioners and policy-makers on the context-specific factors worth considering in the adoption of public sector accounting practices.
AB - Purpose - This chapter examines developments in public sector accounting practices using evidence from a developing country (Ghana), and explores the motivations for such developments from post-independence to date. This stems from the limited research in public sector accounting particularly on developing countries despite the rich empirical context that they provide for the global research community. Design/methodology/approach - Advocating for institutional theory, data was gathered from multiple sources including interviews, discussions and documents to achieve the above objectives. Findings - Evidence gathered shows gradual shift from cash accounting to accrual accounting practices (modified), including computerization of the entire public sector accounting and reporting processes. Indeed, the World Bank and IMF sponsored reform (PUFMARP) instigated many of the major developments in the public sector accounting practices, including the adoption of accrual accounting and deployment of integrated financial management information system. Research limitations/implications - Findings on developments during the post-colonial period were only based on the analysis of few documentary sources. Originality/value - The study contributes to the limited studies in public sector accounting from developing countries and Africa in particular. It also extends the application of institutional theory in public sector accounting research. Implications - Findings inform practitioners and policy-makers on the context-specific factors worth considering in the adoption of public sector accounting practices.
KW - Developing country
KW - Ghana
KW - Institutional theory
KW - Public sector
KW - Public sector accounting
KW - Public sector reforms
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=84887436234&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1108/S1479-3563(2012)000012A013
DO - 10.1108/S1479-3563(2012)000012A013
M3 - Chapter
AN - SCOPUS:84887436234
SN - 9781781902226
T3 - Research in Accounting in Emerging Economies
SP - 209
EP - 226
BT - Accounting in Africa
A2 - Tauringana, Venancio
A2 - Mangena, Musa
ER -