Abstract
Ethics research in Accounting has not proceeded beyond the descriptive level while, at the same time, ethics is a vital part of accounting decisions to the point where professional codes of etherics are necessary. A theoretical model is offered using cognitive and contingency (field) theories to gain insight into how ethical considerations enter into accounting decisions. Propositions are generated so that the use of ethics in accounting decisions can be predicted.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Anderson, J. R.: 1980,Cognitive Psychology and Its Implications (WH Freeman & Company, San Francisco), pp. 21–56, 192–221 and 257–293.
Birnberg, J. G. and Shields, M. D.: 1984, ‘The Role of Attention and Memory in Accounting Decisions’,Accounting Organizations and Society 9(3/4), pp. 365–382.
Carroll, A., Hoy, F. and Hall, J.: 1987, ‘The Integration of Corporate Social Policy into Strategic Management’, in S. P. Sethi and C. M. Falbe (eds.),Business and Society: Dimensions of Conflict and Cooperation (Lexington Books), pp. 449–470.
Diamond, M. A., Flamholtz, E. G. and Flamholtz, D. T.: 1990,Financial Accounting 2nd ed. (PWS-Kent, Boston), p. 190.
Dillard, J. D.: 1984, ‘Cognitive Science and Decision Making Research in Accounting’,Accounting Organizations and Society 9(3/4), pp. 343–354.
CMA Magazine (Canada): 1986, editor, ‘What Price Conscience?’ (January–February), pp. 14–17.
Farmer, R. N. and Richman, B. M.: 1964, ‘A Model for Research in Comparative Management’,California Management Review (Winter), pp. 55–68.
Horner, L. D.: 1990, ‘KPMG Peat Marwick's Code of Conduct’,Management Accounting (June), pp. 16–17.
Jones, C. S.: 1985, ‘An Empirical Study of the Evidence for Contingency Theories of Management Accounting Systems in Conditions of Rapid Change’,Accounting Organizations and Society 10(3), pp. 303–328.
Journal of Accountancy: 1986, editor, ‘How the Public Sees CPAs’ (December), pp. 16–34.
Libby R. and Lewis, B. L.: 1982, ‘Human Information Processing Research in Accounting: The State of the Art in 1982’,Accounting Organizations and Society 7(3), pp. 231–285.
Lowe, H. J.: 1987, ‘Ethics in Our 100 Year History’,Journal of Accountancy (May), pp. 78–87.
Mihalek, P. H., Rich, A. J. and Smith, C. S.: 1987, ‘Ethics and Management Accountants’,Management Accounting (December), pp. 34–36.
Sathe, V.: 1975, ‘Contingency Theories of Organizational Structure’, in J. L. Livingstone (ed.),Managerial Accounting: The Behavioral Foundations (Grid Publications, Columbus OH), pp. 51–63.
Schroeder, R. G.: 1987/88, ‘The Public Accountant's Role in Economic Society’,Southwest Journal of Business & Economics (Winter), pp. 24–31.
Schweikart, J. A.: 1986, ‘The Relevance of Managerial Accounting Information: A Multinational Analysis’,Accounting Organizations and Society 11(6), pp. 541–554.
Shaw, M. E. and Costanzo, P. R.: 1970,Theories of Social Psychology (McGraw-Hill, New York), pp. 118–134.
Strickland, S. G.: 1990, ‘Non-CPA Ownership of CPA Firms’,Ohio CPA Journal (Spring), pp. 24–27.
Thomas, A. P.: 1986, ‘The Contingency Theory of Corporate Reporting: Some Empirical Evidence’,Accounting Organizations and Society 11(3), pp. 253–270.
Wright. W. F.: 1982, ‘Comparison of the Lens and Subjective Probability Paradigms for Financial Research Purposes’,Accounting Organizations and Society 7(1), pp. 65–75.
Yau, O. H. and Wong, T.: 1990, ‘How Do CPA Firms Perceive Marketing and Advertising? A Hong Kong Experience’,European Journal of Marketing (UK)24(2), pp. 43–54.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Additional information
James A. Schweikart, Ph.D. CPA, is associate professor of accounting at the University of Richmond. He received his doctorate in international business and is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. Dr. Schweikart's research focus is primarily on cross-cultural impacts on usage of financial information.
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Schweikart, J.A. Cognitive-contingency theory and the study of ethics in accounting. J Bus Ethics 11, 471–478 (1992). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00870558
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00870558