An introduction to accounting : accountability in organisations and society

Abstract

This book brings today’s accounting hot topics of corporate accountability, sustainability and social responsibility to life with the only complete textbook created from the ground up for these modern accounting teaching and learning concepts. An Introduction to Accounting: Accountability in Organisations and Society takes a unique approach in embracing from the start the notion of accountability for the environment and sustainability in accounting; the structure, content and learning activities provide students with an understanding of accounting’s pervasive and transformative role as a social practice and organisational driver. It shows that environments, ideas and values change; the interconnectivity of society; that the planet must be respected as a resource; and that people are affected/influenced by the information they receive and the way it is presented. It is emphasised that accounting and accountability are key aspects of every person’s life and that the practice of accounting, while often being seen as very technical in nature, has many social implications. Learning accounting through the lens of sustainability and the environment embeds this perspective in students’ minds so that in their careers they will actively seek and use accounting information to make decisions that take into consideration accountability for the environment.