Abstract
Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to provide an evaluation of public sector research in the 1998–2018 period.
Design/methodology/approach - The paper uses the extant literature of this era to study the theorisation of, and the findings of, public sector research.
Findings - This is a vibrant field of a study in a wide range of study settings and with many interdisciplinary studies. The influence of new public management is pervasive over this period. There are numerous instances of innovations in study settings, in key findings and the approach taken by investigators.
Research limitations/implications - This is not a comprehensive review of all literature in this period.
Practical implications - This study also explored the relevance of academic research of this era to policymaking by governments.
Originality/value - This paper offers a distinctive critique of theorisation of public sector accounting research. It reveals the dominant theoretical reference points in use during this period and observes the increasing tendency for theoretical pluralism to investigate complex study settings.
Design/methodology/approach - The paper uses the extant literature of this era to study the theorisation of, and the findings of, public sector research.
Findings - This is a vibrant field of a study in a wide range of study settings and with many interdisciplinary studies. The influence of new public management is pervasive over this period. There are numerous instances of innovations in study settings, in key findings and the approach taken by investigators.
Research limitations/implications - This is not a comprehensive review of all literature in this period.
Practical implications - This study also explored the relevance of academic research of this era to policymaking by governments.
Originality/value - This paper offers a distinctive critique of theorisation of public sector accounting research. It reveals the dominant theoretical reference points in use during this period and observes the increasing tendency for theoretical pluralism to investigate complex study settings.
Original language | English |
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Journal | Accounting, Auditing & Accountability Journal |
Early online date | 23 Sept 2019 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | E-pub ahead of print - 23 Sept 2019 |
Keywords / Materials (for Non-textual outputs)
- theorization
- neoliberal
- new public sector
- public sector research