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The Accountants’ Perspective on Sustainable Business Practices in SMEs

journal contribution
posted on 2023-05-18, 05:41 authored by Belinda WilliamsBelinda Williams, Gary O'DonovanGary O'Donovan
Purpose – This paper aims to explore the accountants’ perspective towards their role and function as business advisors in assisting with the adoption of sustainable business practices (SBPs) in small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Design/methodology/approach – A questionnaire-based study was conducted on members from one of Australia’s leading professional accounting organizations. Findings – Key findings from this research highlighted deficiencies in the effectiveness of the accounting profession in assisting SMEs in implementing SBPs despite a desire from clients for accountants to provide this advice and a belief that accountants are best placed to do so. Further, an expectations gap is evident between the level of involvement accountants believe they should be having in assisting SMEs and the level of involvement that is currently occurring. Research limitations/implications – This finding has implications for the accounting profession, with accountants needing to examine their current business approaches in an effort to close this gap. If this does not occur, SMEs will most likely seek this much-needed advice and support from outside the profession. Originality/value – Little attention has been given to the accountant’s role in respect of sustainability from an accountant’s perspective. The findings contribute to understanding the accountant’s importance in advancing their involvement in assisting SMEs in the uptake of SBPs.

History

Publication title

Social Responsibility Journal

Volume

11

Pagination

641-656

ISSN

1747-1117

Department/School

TSBE

Publisher

Emerald Group Publishing Ltd.

Place of publication

United Kingdom

Rights statement

Copyright 2015 Emerald

Repository Status

  • Restricted

Socio-economic Objectives

Expanding knowledge in commerce, management, tourism and services

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