Talya Gail Segal, Milton Segal and Warren Maroun
Tax risk-management (TRM) is relatively understudied in the area of corporate governance and integrated reporting. The purpose of this study is to identify whether South African…
Abstract
Purpose
Tax risk-management (TRM) is relatively understudied in the area of corporate governance and integrated reporting. The purpose of this study is to identify whether South African organisations identify, rank and manage tax risks in terms of importance and relevance to their own corporation. The study also aims to identify the link, if any, between TRM practices being implemented and the discussion and disclosure of these practices in the integrated report.
Design/methodology/approach
Detailed interviews with some of South Africa’s leading tax and corporate governance experts are used to highlight the TRM practices currently in place, as well as the evolution of these practices. These interviews also identify the connection between the practices and the integrated reporting disclosures.
Findings
The experts interviewed have identified a sound understanding of TRM practices in place and certainly some evolution of these practices over the past five years. What has been identified though is the need for further enhancement and incorporation of TRM practices into the corporate governance control structures within organisations. Integrated reporting disclosure of TRM still appears to be an area where there is need for improvement, specifically a better understanding by companies of how to use their integrated reports as a strategic asset of the company as opposed to merely a compliance exercise.
Research limitations/implications
The research relies on a relatively small sample of subject experts and does not provide a complete account of TRM developments.
Originality/value
The study adds value by contributing to research conducted on TRM. Although there has been research on ERM from a corporate governance perspective, few studies have examined this from a tax perspective, and there is virtually no formal academic research on the relationship between TRM and corporate governance from a South African perspective.
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Key audit matters (KAM) and their impact on the auditor is a relatively understudied area. The purpose of this study is to analyse whether auditors perceive that the recent…
Abstract
Purpose
Key audit matters (KAM) and their impact on the auditor is a relatively understudied area. The purpose of this study is to analyse whether auditors perceive that the recent requirement for auditors of listed companies to report KAMs has enhanced the transparency of audit reports or not, what additional risks they now face, how the risk is being managed and its impact on the relationship with their clients.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper uses an interpretive approach for detailed interviews with some of South Africa’s leading audit experts to highlight their perspective of the impact of KAM on audit reporting and the audit environment.
Findings
The experts have various perceptions of what makes a matter “key”. These vary from materiality, to subjectivity and difficulty, as well as incorporating a time-based consideration. Concerns identified include a significant increase in cost and an increase in potential liability, triggering the need for thorough internal risk management policies. The audit experts conclude that KAM has ultimately failed to achieve its goal of greater transparency, with clients virtually ignoring KAM reports.
Research limitations/implications
The research relies on a relatively small sample of subject experts and may not provide a complete account of the view of all audit professionals and KAM reports issued. It analyses the impact of KAM from the preparers’ perspective.
Originality/value
This study contributes to the research conducted in this topical area. Although there has been research on KAM focusing on pre-implementation consequences, there is virtually no formal academic research on the impact KAM has had on audit partners and firms in South Africa post implementation. It may also serve as a basis for the IAASB to consider going forward.
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Susan Segal‐Horn and Alison Dean
To identify and discuss the changes arising within very large law firms from the pressure to provide global services and the issues for firms in implementing cross‐border…
Abstract
Purpose
To identify and discuss the changes arising within very large law firms from the pressure to provide global services and the issues for firms in implementing cross‐border integration.
Design/methodology/approach
The research is qualitative, case‐based and exploratory, using a piloted topic guide. The study is of very large UK “City” law firms (i.e. those operating in over 20 countries) using in‐depth semi‐structured interviews with: managing partners, senior partners, partners and associates at “City” law firms, clients, US lawyers in London and non‐legal professionals. Data are triangulated with information from trade press, trade associations and firm reports.
Findings
Identification of managerial issues of global integration common to law firms interviewed. These include: a shift to a “managed” firm and decline in professional autonomy; post‐acquisition integration and merger process issues; operationalization of global practices (such as common technology platforms, common systems practices, common human resources management practices and cross‐border intra‐firm working relationships) to achieve consistency throughout the integrated firm.
Research limitations/implications
Data set is derived from UK firms only and dependent on respondent views. Findings indicate that law firms have become less distinctive and more like other service businesses.
Practical implications
The paper identifies the processes by which consistent cross‐border service to the client may be achieved within globally integrated firms.
Originality/value
Law is an under‐researched industry. This research adds to knowledge of the legal services industry; explores globalization in a professional service firm context; extends the global strategy literature into the services domain. This is also one of the few papers on law firms based on primary data.
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Leslie de Chernatony and Susan Segal‐Horn
There are few valuable services brands, which may be due to the lack of services branding knowledge and the inappropriate use of product‐based branding advice. To contribute to…
Abstract
There are few valuable services brands, which may be due to the lack of services branding knowledge and the inappropriate use of product‐based branding advice. To contribute to services branding knowledge the authors undertook a review of the services management and services branding literature and postulated a model of services branding. In‐depth interviews with 28 leading‐edge consultants showed the appropriateness of this model. The study found a need for ruthless clarity about positioning and the corporation's genuinely felt values. Success is more likely when everyone internally believes in their brand's values. When management behaviour is based on genuine conviction, shared values are more likely. Through shared values, there is a greater likelihood of commitment, internal loyalty, clearer brand understanding, and importantly, consistent brand delivery across all stakeholders. By viewing these factors within a systems perspective, greater services brand consistency can result.
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This research examines micro‐enterprises pursuing gradual growth. The research findings and implications are provided in two parts. Part 1 was presented in Volume 6, Number 4 of…
Abstract
This research examines micro‐enterprises pursuing gradual growth. The research findings and implications are provided in two parts. Part 1 was presented in Volume 6, Number 4 of the Journal of Small Business and Enterprise Development (JSBED) (Perren, 2000). It developed an empirically verified framework that explains how growth was influenced by a myriad interacting factors; this led to a discussion of the policy implications of the framework. Part 2 explores the managerial implications of the framework. A diagnostic toolkit is systematically developed to encourage micro‐enterprise owner‐managers and advisers to explore the influences on the interim growth drivers identified in part 1. It is hoped this will help them to highlight ways of “compensating” deficits in particular factors and to think creatively about growth opportunities. The audience has changed from academics and policy‐makers to owner‐managers, so the diagnostic toolkit avoids technical language and employs a Socratic questioning approach to encourage free‐thinking and self‐analysis.
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The purpose of this paper is to clarify the relationship between cybersecurity governance and internet governance and to explore the effects of the current tendency for…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to clarify the relationship between cybersecurity governance and internet governance and to explore the effects of the current tendency for cybersecurity-related discourse to dominate and change the way we approach the established problems of internet governance.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper demonstrates the centrality of internet connectivity to any definition of cyberspace and to cybersecurity, which clarifies the way internet governance and cybersecurity governance are interdependent. Drawing on classic notions of a security dilemma, the paper also argues for distinguishing between national cybersecurity and societal cybersecurity.
Findings
Major structural features of the governance problem in cybersecurity and internet governance are analogous. Joint production of internet services and cybersecurity makes them heavily interdependent. This means that cybersecurity governance and internet governance models need to be compatible, and the approach we take to one will influence how we approach the other.
Originality/value
The interdependence of cybersecurity governance and internet governance has not been carefully examined before, and the relationship is not well understood. These two strands of thinking about cyberspace governance have not been properly connected. This paper bridges the gap and makes policymakers more aware of the potential tensions between a cybersecurity perspective and an internet governance perspective.
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Purpose – This chapter explores the significance of emotional exchanges between historians and their research participants in the production of critical histories of the late…
Abstract
Purpose – This chapter explores the significance of emotional exchanges between historians and their research participants in the production of critical histories of the late twentieth-century British women’s movement. It argues for the importance of exploring the ways in which positive emotions, including feelings of excitement, reverence and commonality, influence the research process and potentially complicate historians’ capacity to produce histories that critically assess popular narratives of the development of the women’s movement.
Methodology/Approach – This chapter draws on qualitative assessments of my own experiences carrying out oral history interviews with women’s movement members to explore the emotional exchanges that take place during the research process. It utilises several historiographical concepts, including being a ‘fan of feminism’, discussions about historical subjectivity and oral history debates about empathy, to reflect on my emotional responses whilst carrying out research.
Findings – This chapter demonstrates that positive emotional exchanges between historians and their research participants influence the production of critical histories of the women’s movement. It highlights how historians’ personal identifications with their areas of study impact on their emotional engagement with research participants, potentially complicating or contravening their wider historical aims.
Originality/Value – Several historians have explored how negative emotional exchanges with research participants influenced their production of critical histories of the women’s movement. By focusing on the influence of positive emotional exchanges, this chapter provides an original contribution to this area of reflexive discussion, as well as wider assessments of historical subjectivity and researcher empathy.
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Carmel Conn, Neil Mahoney, Yasmeen Multani and Jodie Rees
Professional learning has been highlighted as critical to improvement in educational practice for Autistic learners. Empirical evidence about what is effective for professional…
Abstract
Purpose
Professional learning has been highlighted as critical to improvement in educational practice for Autistic learners. Empirical evidence about what is effective for professional learning in education suggests it is a “bottom-up” process of intellectual, practical and emotional engagement and application of new knowledge to specific contexts. The purpose of this study was to gather information about postgraduate professional learning that sought to combine lived experience with reflection on practice in a critical pedagogy approach for practitioners working with Autistic learners in post-16 education.
Design/methodology/approach
Participants in the study represented all further education (FE) colleges in Wales and included experienced teachers and leaders, most of whom have a role focused on inclusion and learning support within their setting. Two phases of data collection were carried out, namely, a baseline survey (n = 36) and follow-up interviews (n = 15) at the end of the year of study. Interviews explored personal experiences of learning, knowledge and beliefs about practice and change in this respect and professionals’ priorities for the development of practice.
Findings
Findings present information gathered from the interviews and indicate that the course did not provide practitioners with new knowledge about autism but supported the development of more nuanced understandings of autism and more professional confidence about practice. However, familiarisation with lived experience and critical reflection on practice were described as supporting the questioning of basic assumptions and greater appreciation of the nature of difference for Autistic learners.
Originality/value
Study findings reframe what should be considered the focus of support practices for Autistic learners in FE.