Emerald | Journal of Human Resource Costing & Accounting

Framing numbers “at a distance”: intangible performance reporting in a theater

Andreas Sundström — 2011-11-01 00:00:00.0

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore how the framing of numbers may be related to the distance between the information provider and information users. Design/methodology/approach – The design of the paper is a case study, in an organizational situation where there are perceived problems in producing stable inscriptions for reporting to users at a distance. The study focuses on the top management level in a small-sized publicly-funded theater. The qualitative research design incorporates interviews, observations and document analysis. Findings – The paper illustrates how knowledge and understanding of the circumstances of measurement form a substantial part of what constitutes “distance” between an accounting user and the referred context. It is argued that the framing of numbers may be utilized as a means to control action at a distance. The findings also imply that the use of measurements regarding intangibles may be perceived as useful for purposes beyond internal management. Originality/value – The paper contributes in two ways to prior research on accountability relations and accounting as an enabler of action at a distance: it elaborates on what constitutes a distance, and it also adds an emphasis on reciprocal behavior by the provider of information in an accountability relation.

The impact of human resource disclosure on corporate image

América Alvarez Dominguez — 2011-11-01 00:00:00.0

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effects of human resource disclosure on corporate image. Design/methodology/approach – The information about human resources presented in their annual reports by 105 Spanish listed companies was grouped in three categories, previously defined in literature. We distinguish information about human capital (items usually included as human capital in Intellectual Capital reports), social information about employees and information about ethics questions relative to employees. A content analysis of these 105 annual reports was conducted to measure human resource disclosure and a regression analysis was carried out to study the impact of this information on company image. Findings – The findings reflect the significant effect of the three categories of human resource disclosure on corporate image. Practical implications – This study might encourage firms to improve their disclosure policy on issues related to human capital, such as training, and on social and ethical aspects of employees, such as health and safety at work and working rights. Originality/value – This paper contributes to research on human resources by confirming the impact not only of information about human capital, which is mainly oriented to shareholders, but of social and ethical information about employees, oriented as well as to stakeholders, on corporate reputation.

Conflicting conceptualizations of human resource accounting

Adam Steen, Denice Welch, Darcy McCormack — 2011-11-01 00:00:00.0

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.

Is intellectual capital-based strategy market-based or resource-based?: On sustainable strategy in a knowledge-based economy

Lidia Galabova, Guy Ahonen — 2011-11-01 00:00:00.0

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to construct a strategy model based on Intellectual Capital (IC) theory and to demonstrate that it is not purely resource-based (RBV), but includes many elements that are rooted in the market based view (MBV). The authors' analysis indicates that only strategies which lead to both tangible and intangible revenues are sustainable in a knowledge-based economy. Design/methodology/approach – The paper takes the form of an extensive review of IC and strategy literature, and in-depth comparative analysis of IC concept and the strategy management frameworks, particularly Porter's framework. Findings – It is found that the IC-based view (ICBV) is much closer to the MBV than what one would expect and the ICBV is more appropriate for a knowledge-based economy than both the MBV and the RBV in general. Originality/value – It is widely assumed that IC theory is strongly related to resource-based strategy. The authors question this simple view and maintain that the IC-based view relates to both MBV and RBV.