Conflicting conceptualizations of human resource accounting

Adam Steen; Denice Welch; Darcy McCormack

doi:10.1108/14013381111197234

Login

Welcome:
Guest

Search for:

Browse:

Product Information:

Resources:

Journal of Human Resource Costing & Accounting

ISSN: 1401-338X

Online from: 1996

Subject Area: Accounting and Finance

Content: Latest Issue | Latest Issue RSS | Previous Issues

Options: To add Favourites and Table of Contents Alerts please take a Emerald profile

Conflicting conceptualizations of human resource accounting

Document Information:
Title:	Conflicting conceptualizations of human resource accounting
Author(s):	Adam Steen, (Australian Catholic University, Melbourne, Australia), Denice Welch, (Melbourne Business School, Melbourne, Australia), Darcy McCormack, (Australian Catholic University, Melbourne, Australia)
Citation:	Adam Steen, Denice Welch, Darcy McCormack, (2011) "Conflicting conceptualizations of human resource accounting", Journal of Human Resource Costing & Accounting, Vol. 15 Iss: 4, pp.299 - 312
Keywords:	Goodwill, Human capital, Human resource accounting, Human resource costing, Human resources, Intellectual capital
Article type:	Conceptual paper
DOI:	10.1108/14013381111197234 (Permanent URL)
Publisher:	Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Acknowledgements:	The authors wish to acknowledge and thank Emeritus Professor Max Aiken of La Trobe University for his insightful comments on an earlier version of this paper.
Abstract:	Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the differing perceptions or conceptualizations that have contributed to prevailing views held by accountants on the measurement and reporting of human resources. Design/methodology/approach – The study provides an analysis of extant literature and presents a theoretical framework on the relationship between HR, intellectual capital and goodwill. Findings – The lack of traction in the progress of accounting for people is due to several factors including tension between employees and management, the demands of internal and external stakeholders, and the historic roots of accounting for labour. Research limitations/implications – The paper provides suggestions as to how the debate regarding the valuing and reporting of human resources may be rekindled. Originality/value – This study highlights the historical context for the lack of traction in the area of accounting for people, and the relatively recent development of the Intellectual Capital Statement as a partial but positive development in the area.