e-journal

Thai public universities: modernisation of accounting practices

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Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the transition of the accounting systems from
cash based to accrual based, in Thai public universities. The focus is on the factors both influencing
and affecting the accounting change.
Design/methodology/approach – This study takes a quantitative approach with data collected
through a mail survey to the Chief Financial Officer of each of the 78 Thai public universities.
Statistical analysis included both descriptive analysis and ANOVA to analyse differences between
universities.
Findings – The main catalysts for change have come from both external and internal sources.
The Thai government requires public agencies to adapt their accounting practices in line with
New Public Management (NPM) and university management need improved information for planning
and control purposes. The most important change has been to the financial accounting system with
the adoption of computerised accrual accounting practices. The major factor influencing the
change process is low institutional capacity of some Thai universities which is evidenced by the
lack of technological resources and staff with knowledge of private sector accounting practices.
Universities that either have or intend to become autonomous have given more importance to
accounting system changes; and universities that have achieved more success in the change process
note the importance of external consultants, and staff having an understanding and knowledge of data
requirements.
Practical implications – This paper adds to the literature on accounting change in the public sector
in less developed countries by highlighting factors influencing accounting change and factors that can
be barriers to and facilitators of change. The findings provide further evidence of the issues confronted
by public agencies in developing countries adopting new accounting practices and highlights the
importance of training of local staff before the change process commences. Training is critical
for knowledge transfer to enable staff to gain the knowledge and skills needed to assist in the change
of accounting practices.
Originality/value – This paper presents a contribution to the government accounting change
literature by highlighting public sector agencies in a developing country, Thailand. In both developed
and developing countries, public universities are now operating in an environment of decreased
government funding coupled with university management taking more responsibility for financial
management. This study provides an insight into the changes taking place in Thai public universities
in relation to the accounting system to support this new operating environment.

Keywords Accounting change, Public sector, Developing countries, Higher education, Universities,
Thailand

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Ketersediaan

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Informasi Detail

Judul Seri

Journal of Accounting & Organizational Change

No. Panggil

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Penerbit

: Emerald Group., 2012

Deskripsi Fisik

Journal of Accounting & Organizational Change Vol. 8 No. 3, 2012 pp. 403-430

Bahasa

English

ISBN/ISSN

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Klasifikasi

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Tipe Isi

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Tipe Media

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Tipe Pembawa

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Edisi

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Subjek

AKUNTANSI

Info Detail Spesifik

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Pernyataan Tanggungjawab

Asmawati/Syahrial

Versi lain/terkait

Lampiran Berkas

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