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Strong structuration theory in accounting research

Alan Coad (Nottingham University Business School, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK)
Lisa Jack (Portsmouth Business School, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, UK)
Ahmed Kholeif (Business School, Edge Hill University, Ormskirk, UK)

Accounting, Auditing & Accountability Journal

ISSN: 0951-3574

Article publication date: 19 September 2016

3542

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the interdisciplinary use of strong structuration theory and consider the impact of this for accounting research. The paper also provides an overview of the contributions advanced by the other papers in this special issue of Accounting, Auditing and Accountability Journal (AAAJ).

Design/methodology/approach

This paper draws together and identifies key issues and themes related to the rapidly evolving interdisciplinary use of strong structuration theory and considers the relevance of these issues to accounting research.

Findings

The paper highlights that there is a growing use of strong structuration theory in a number of disciplines, such as in healthcare, learning studies, management, migration studies and childcare as well as in accounting. Within the accounting discipline, whilst the interest began in management accounting and control, there are ongoing studies of the not-for-profit sector, social and environmental accounting, financial reporting standards and audit. Using strong structuration theory, researchers are more interested in the people (individually or collectively) and their analysis of their conduct and context. They are moving forwards from an overly static use of the quadripartite framework to a more dynamic approach that also includes the other important central elements of strong structuration that focus on the issue of agency in situ rather than on structure cut off from agency.

Research limitations/implications

The paper provides important insights into emerging issues and developments in strong structuration theory that have clear relevance to accounting research and practice as well as other disciplines.

Originality/value

This paper, and other contributions to this special issue of AAAJ, provide a basis and a research agenda for accounting scholars seeking to undertake empirical research using Stones’ strong structuration theory.

Keywords

Acknowledgements

The authors wish to thank James Guthrie for his practical support and intellectual encouragement in developing this AAAJ special issue and for arranging the review of this paper, as well as those who contributed by submitting papers and acting as reviewers. The authors would also like to thank Professor Danture Wickramasinghe and the University of Glasgow, and Professor Frédéric Gautier and IAE de Paris for hosting the workshops that contributed to the development of papers in the special issue and in the further development of the network of researchers applying strong structuration theory in the accounting and management disciplines.

Citation

Coad, A., Jack, L. and Kholeif, A. (2016), "Strong structuration theory in accounting research", Accounting, Auditing & Accountability Journal, Vol. 29 No. 7, pp. 1138-1144. https://doi.org/10.1108/AAAJ-07-2016-2625

Publisher

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Emerald Group Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2016, Emerald Group Publishing Limited

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