Relating the Institutional Approach in Management Accounting to Institutional Economics: An Essay on Dual-mode Rationality

摘要

In management accounting literature an institutionalist stream is emerging that generates intense discussions and research (Scapens 1994; Burns and Scapens 2000; Duindam and Verstegen 2000). Although the discussion in the discipline of management accounting often refers to new institutional economics literature as well as original institutional economics literature, there are fewer references in the opposite direction. In this paper we try to strengthen the connection between management accounting and institutional economics. Analyzing the functioning of management accounting rules and practices creates an opportunity to substantiate the view of the economy seen as an instituted process. Management accounting practices are one part of the institutional infrastructure that control, coordinate and facilitate human decision-making.