Pride or prejudice: accounting and Polynesian entrepreneurs

Abstract

Purpose This paper aims to discuss the role of accounting, accountants and the cash management processes of indigenous Māori and Pacific (collectively referred as Polynesian) entrepreneurs in New Zealand. Design/methodology/approach A qualitative research methodology was used; 43 in-depth face-to-face interviews were conducted with Polynesian entrepreneurs, key informants, business experts and accountants to align with the oral Polynesian traditions and protocols. Findings The paper highlights the influence of cultural values on Polynesians’ accounting decision-making processes. It also provides some unique insights into the interrelationships of the cultural, economic and social dynamics that sculpt Polynesians’ decisions towards accounting, cash management and their accountants. Research limitations/implications Purposive sampling of a small sample was drawn from Auckland, New Zealand. Though statistical generalisability is not possible, in-depth interview data provided rich and contextual evidence which are often missing from a quantitative research approach. Practical implications It highlights the need for contextualised accounting services to Polynesian entrepreneurs by the accounting profession. It also calls for more cultural sensitivity when servicing and regulating Polynesian entrepreneurs. Originality/value This study identifies some unique insights into the interrelationships of culture, economic and social dynamics in Polynesian entrepreneurs. In particular, the cultural values of communality, reciprocity and “gift-giving” and respect for authority are important factors in shaping the Polynesians’ approach to accounting disposition and business cash management. It also identifies the power differentials between Polynesian entrepreneurs and their accountants, in which the former takes on a subordinate role to the latter.

Accounting and First Nations: A Systematic Literature Review and Directions for Future Research

“…First, it has identified the key themes and trends in the literature focusing on accounting and First Nations peoples and economic entities, including the historical context of accounting and colonialism, moving to present day complexities of translating standardised financial and non‐financial reporting across cultural borders. Second, this paper has discussed the potential emancipatory role of accounting and the accountancy profession for First Nations peoples (McNicholas 2009; Lombardi and Cooper 2015; Yong 2019). The findings of this review point to a changing focus in accounting studies towards positive discourses and the role of accounting in advancing First Nations autonomy.…”

“…Recent literature has encouraged researchers to adopt an enabling or asset-based narrative to emphasise the strengths of First Nations cultures and traditions (Mc-Nicholas and Barrett 2005;Bauman et al 2015), to demonstrate First Nations peoples as agents rather than victims (Finau et al 2019). This study's review of recent literature focused on First Nations peoples' accounting experiences suggests this is an under-researched field, with only nine research papers capturing the direct experiences of First Nations peoples or reporting entities with accounting and financial reporting published since 2000 (McNicholas et al 2004;Moerman and Van Der Laan 2011;Rossingh 2012;Lombardi and Cooper 2015;Lombardi 2016;Finau et al 2019;Yong 2019;Jayasinghe et al 2020;Scobie et al 2020). The other 42 publications identified in this review are either theoretical or base their analysis on secondary sources such as archival material or publicly available reports.…”

“…In Australia, for example, an estimated 17 900 First Nations owned and managed business entities contribute AUS$6.6 billion annually to the Australian economy (PwC 2018; Shirodkar et al 2018). The establishment of First Nations economic entities has accompanied a 'cultural renaissance'; a celebration of traditional knowledge, language and customs (McNicholas et al 2004;McNicholas and Barrett 2005;Yong 2019;Guevara et al 2020), demanding respect for the unbroken connection to land and sea.…”

“…The establishment of First Nations economic entities has accompanied a ‘cultural renaissance’; a celebration of traditional knowledge, language and customs (McNicholas et al. 2004; McNicholas and Barrett 2005; Yong 2019; Guevara et al. 2020), demanding respect for the unbroken connection to land and sea.…”

“…In Australia, there is evidence of trade pre‐dating colonial settlement between mainland Aboriginal groups, Torres Strait Islanders and the Makassan people of Indonesia (Foley 2004; Marks 2018). Trade and exploration by the Māori and First Nations peoples of the Pacific Islands is also well documented (Foley 2004; Yong 2019). The emergence of distinct forms of ‘Indigenous Entrepreneurship’ have been acknowledged in recent literature (e.g., Foley 2003; Peredo et al.…”