Achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals : An enabling role for accounting research

Bebbington, Jan and Unerman, J. (2018) Achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals : An enabling role for accounting research. Accounting, Auditing and Accountability Journal, 31 (1). pp. 2-24. ISSN 0951-3574

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Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to establish and advance the role of academic accounting in the pursuit of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which are regarded as the most salient point of departure for understanding and achieving environmental and human development ambitions up to (and no doubt beyond) the year 2030. Design/methodology/approach: This paper provides a synthesis of interdisciplinary perspectives on sustainable development and integration of this with the accounting for sustainability literature. In addition, potential accounting research contributions are proposed so as to support the development of new research avenues. Findings: Existing research in accounting that is relevant to individual SDGs serves as an initial link between them and the accounting discipline. At the same time, the SDGs focus highlights new sites for empirical work (including interdisciplinary investigations) as well as inviting innovation in accounting theoretical frameworks. Moreover, the SDGs provide a context for (re)invigorating accounting’s contribution to sustainable development debates. Originality/value: This is the first paper to explore the roles academic accounting can play in furthering achievement of the SDGs through enhanced understanding, critiquing and advancing of accounting policy, practice and theorizing. It is also the first paper to propose a research agenda in this area. © 2018, Emerald Publishing Limited.

Item Type:
Journal Article
Journal or Publication Title:
Accounting, Auditing and Accountability Journal
Additional Information:
This article is (c) Emerald Group Publishing and permission has been granted for this version to appear here. Emerald does not grant permission for this article to be further copied/distributed or hosted elsewhere without the express permission from Emerald Group Publishing Limited.
Uncontrolled Keywords:
/dk/atira/pure/subjectarea/asjc/1400/1402
Subjects:
?? accountingaccounting and sustainable developmentaccounting for sustainabilitysocial and environmental accountingsustainable development goalsaccountingeconomics, econometrics and finance (miscellaneous)sustainabilitysdg 12 - responsible consumption and pr ??
ID Code:
127039
Deposited By:
Deposited On:
28 Aug 2018 10:20
Refereed?:
Yes
Published?:
Published
Last Modified:
19 Nov 2024 01:51