Reflecting on the ‘ethos’ of public sector accounting: From ‘taken-for-granted’ to ‘plural’ values?

Jan van Helden, Ileana Steccolini

    Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapterAcademicpeer-review

    3 Citations (Scopus)

    Abstract

    This chapter discusses the underlying values in public sector accounting (PSA). Such values are often taken for granted or hidden. Yet, PSA is not neutral; it reflects various administra-tive values translated into concrete tools and practices over time. The chapter illustrates these values within ’classic public administration’ and ’New Public Management’ philosophies. It also suggests alternative or complementary values, such as collaboration instead of competi-tion, self-management alongside management by managers, and public value, social equity, and resilience alongside efficiency and value for money. The implications of considering the plurality of PSA values for research, practice, and teaching are also reflected upon. This explo-ration aims to enhance awareness among researchers and practitioners about the ethical foun-dations of PSA.
    Original languageEnglish
    Title of host publicationHandbook of Accounting in Society
    EditorsHendrik Vollmer
    Place of PublicationLondon
    PublisherEdward Elgar Publishing
    Chapter7
    Pages91-106
    Number of pages16
    VolumeEdward Elgar
    ISBN (Print)9781803921990
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 3-May-2024

    Publication series

    NameResearch Handbooks on Accounting series
    PublisherEdward Elgar Publishing

    Keywords

    • moral values
    • ethical dimensions
    • public sector accounting

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