Swimming in a sea of uncertainty – business, governance and the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic
Journal of Accounting & Organizational Change
ISSN: 1832-5912
Article publication date: 5 October 2020
Issue publication date: 15 December 2020
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine accounting-related issues that have emerged during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
Design/methodology/approach
The discussion is based on personal experience and observation of events and media reports in the UK, the USA and New Zealand.
Findings
Many problems that have emerged have varied owing to differences in the national governance of each country regarding the emphasis their governments and businesses have placed on short-run financialisation policies; the comprehensiveness of their information and control systems; their leadership and whether their discourse accords with events and expert advice; their degree of accountability and concern for public wellness; and the need to consider new taxation policies to meet the costs of the pandemic.
Research limitations/implications
This paper is based on personal observations owing to the restrictions on research access during the pandemic, and thus it reflects the author’s political opinions and beliefs.
Practical implications
This paper outlines areas where accounting could and has addressed the issues examined and recommends greater adoption globally of policies and systems designed to meet the United Nation’s sustainable development goals.
Social implications
The social implications are vast for they extend to major issues concerning preserving the planet, its species, humankind and enhanced democratic processes for civil society and developing countries.
Originality/value
A comparative analysis and evaluation of nations' control of of the coronavirus (COVID_19) pandemic. This lies in the eyes of the beholder.
Keywords
Citation
Hopper, T. (2020), "Swimming in a sea of uncertainty – business, governance and the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic", Journal of Accounting & Organizational Change, Vol. 16 No. 4, pp. 533-539. https://doi.org/10.1108/JAOC-07-2020-0091
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2020, Emerald Publishing Limited