Eleonora Masiero, Daria Arkhipova, Maurizio Massaro and Carlo Bagnoli
This paper aims to investigate how relational connectivity can enhance accountability through non-financial reporting regulation in Europe. The paper contributes to the mandatory…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to investigate how relational connectivity can enhance accountability through non-financial reporting regulation in Europe. The paper contributes to the mandatory disclosure literature and provides practical implications for the application of the EU Directive 2014/95/EU.
Design/methodology/approach
A case study research methodology is used, analyzing how a listed Italian insurance company embraces a dialogic communication approach with stakeholders along 2018.
Findings
From a theoretical standpoint, this paper enhances the scholarly understanding of the relevance and role of the concept of relational connectivity as a mean for effectively enhancing accountability, providing some prerequisites for effectively implementing relational connectivity. From a practical perspective, results address the criticism related to the directive 2014/95/EU guidelines in effectively helping the organization toward enhancing accountability. Through a case study, results show how companies can achieve in practice the goal of enhancing corporate accountability.
Originality/value
The paper is original, as it addresses the topic of relational connectivity applied to the EU Directive 2014/95/EU. Results contribute to the development of the understanding of the mandatory disclosure in a dialogic perspective. Additionally, the paper addresses a case study showing how the analyzed company used relational connectivity to engage an effective dialogue with stakeholders.
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Daria Arkhipova, Marco Montemari, Chiara Mio and Stefano Marasca
This paper aims to critically examine the accounting and information systems literature to understand the changes that are occurring in the management accounting profession. The…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to critically examine the accounting and information systems literature to understand the changes that are occurring in the management accounting profession. The changes the authors are interested in are linked to technology-driven innovations in managerial decision-making and in organizational structures. In addition, the paper highlights research gaps and opportunities for future research.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors adopted a grounded theory literature review method (Wolfswinkel et al., 2013) to achieve the study’s aims.
Findings
The authors identified four research themes that describe the changes in the management accounting profession due to technology-driven innovations: structured vs unstructured data, human vs algorithm-driven decision-making, delineated vs blurred functional boundaries and hierarchical vs platform-based organizations. The authors also identified tensions mentioned in the literature for each research theme.
Originality/value
Previous studies display a rather narrow focus on the role of digital technologies in accounting work and new competences that management accountants require in the digital era. By contrast, the authors focus on the broader technology-driven shifts in organizational processes and structures, which vastly change how accounting information is collected, processed and analyzed internally to support managerial decision-making. Hence, the paper focuses on how management accountants can adapt and evolve as their organizations transition toward a digital environment.
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Marisa Agostini, Daria Arkhipova and Chiara Mio
This paper aims to identify, synthesise and critically examine the extant academic research on the relation between big data analytics (BDA), corporate accountability and…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to identify, synthesise and critically examine the extant academic research on the relation between big data analytics (BDA), corporate accountability and non-financial disclosure (NFD) across several disciplines.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper uses a structured literature review methodology and applies “insight-critique-transformative redefinition” framework to interpret the findings, develop critique and formulate future research directions.
Findings
This paper identifies and critically examines 12 research themes across four macro categories. The insights presented in this paper indicate that the nature of the relationship between BDA and accountability depends on whether an organisation considers BDA as a value creation instrument or as a revenue generation source. This paper discusses how NFD can effectively increase corporate accountability for ethical, social and environmental consequences of BDA.
Practical implications
This paper presents the results of a structured literature review exploring the state-of-the-art of academic research on the relation between BDA, NFD and corporate accountability. This paper uses a systematic approach, to provide an exhaustive analysis of the phenomenon with rigorous and reproducible research criteria. This paper also presents a series of actionable insights of how corporate accountability for the use of big data and algorithmic decision-making can be enhanced.
Social implications
This paper discusses how NFD can reduce negative social and environmental impact stemming from the corporate use of BDA.
Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this paper is the first one to provide a comprehensive synthesis of academic literature, identify research gaps and outline a prospective research agenda on the implications of big data technologies for NFD and corporate accountability along social, environmental and ethical dimensions.
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Vladislav Spitsin, Darko Vukovic, Alexander Mikhalchuk, Lubov Spitsina and Daria Novoseltseva
The purpose of this study is the detection and comparison of distinctive features of Gazelle firms (GFs) at three stages evolution outside the typical boundaries.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is the detection and comparison of distinctive features of Gazelle firms (GFs) at three stages evolution outside the typical boundaries.
Design/methodology/approach
The study uses Analysis of Variance and logistic regression to tests the performance of 2427 gazelles for (GFs) a five-year period (2015–2020).
Findings
The study found that GFs prediction probability is low. In their second and third stages of evolution (initial growth and continuing growth), the gazelle growth effects appear. They are more effective in terms of profitability and turnover due to increasing sales and size.
Practical implications
This study shows that stakeholders should give preference to GFs that demonstrate long-term (steady) growth. Such firms are more efficient and financially stable than firms with high short-term growth.
Originality/value
The present study identifies patterns in the generation and development of GFs in high-tech industries outside the typical boundaries.