Accounting is an Evolved Economic Institution, Volume 2Accounting is an Evolved Economic Institution starts by defining "accounting history research" and posing six big picture questions about historical accounting evolution. The book summarizes accounting history over the past ten thousand years -- this literature review provides useful examples for subsequent sections and can be used as a primer of accounting history. The authors explain how accounting history can inform scholars studying modern institutions by analyzing several exemplary research papers. Numerous empirical studies are examined using archival accounting data and suggest further questions that can build upon and extend published research. Finally, the authors discuss the implications of an evolutionary perspective for accounting research and identify numerous research opportunities under each of the six big picture questions to build a coherent evolutionary theory of accounting. Accounting is an Evolved Economic Institution shows that studying the history of accounting evolution is socially valuable for several reasons. First, accounting institutional history can provide useful background knowledge and context for scholars seeking to understand modern institutions. Second, historical data provide unique opportunities to study issues of enduring importance. Third, history is the necessary focus of evolutionary theories that seek an ultimate explanation for how human societies and economic institutions are shaped over a long period of time. Fourth, a lack of historical knowledge can predispose researchers to confirmation bias. Finally, studying accounting history can help develop professional identity, not just for accounting scholars but also for accounting students. |
Contents
Why Accounting History | 1 |
Overview of Questions that Arise in Accounting | 9 |
Accounting History Research as a Stimulant | 27 |
Common terms and phrases
19th century accounting history accounting practice Accounting Research Accounting Review Accounting Standards American analysis annual assets associated auditing balance sheet Basu better British capital century changes choice common Companies complex corporate costs different disclosure dividend double-entry early earnings economic effects emergence established et al event evidence evolution evolved examine example exchange experience extensive financial financial reporting firms first followed Historical Dates human hypothesis important income increased industrial institutions investment investor issue Italy Journal of Accounting knowledge Littleton major managers measurement methods models numbers organizations origins period practice present Press provides published questions railroads rationality recordkeeping records regulation relation reporting result returns Review role rules sample securities shareholders social societies standard standard setting statement studies suggests Table theory tion traded transactions United University Waymire York