How accounting can shape a better world: framework, analysis, and research agenda

Purpose – This article centres on the pertinence of redefining accounting for tomorrow,
particularly for facilitating the attainment of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
and, thereby, for shaping a better world. In aspiring for accounting to reach its full potential
as a multidimensional technical, social and moral practice, the study focuses on ideas,
initiatives and proposals for realising accounting’s future potential and responsibilities.

Design/methodology/approach – The study deploys a further developed “strategic
implementation framework”, initially proposed by Carnegie et al. (2023), with an emphasis
on accounting serving “the public interest” so as “to enable the flourishing of organisations,
people and nature” (Carnegie et al., 2021a, p. 69; 2021b). It depicts strategies towards the
future of accounting and the world.

Findings – Significant opportunities are identified for accounting and accountants, working
closely with a diversity of stakeholders, to become alert to and cognisant of the nature,
roles, uses and impacts of accounting. The evidence presented notes a predominant
inattention of accounting and accountants to the SDGs despite the deteriorating state of our
social and natural environment.

Research limitations/implications – Whilst this article examines other articles in this special
issue (SI), there is no substitute for carefully reading, reflecting on, and deliberating upon
these articles individually.

Originality/value – The time for accounting to focus on creating a better world can no longer
be extended. Accounting’s full potential will not be realised by remaining in a narrow and
complacent, technicist state.