Using and valuing accounting information : joint decision making between accountants and retail managers
Document Type
Journal article
Source Publication
Group Decision and Negotiation
Publication Date
7-1-1998
Volume
7
Issue
4
First Page
327
Last Page
345
Keywords
Collaborative decision making, Dealing with cognitive biases, Information exchange
Abstract
Using accounting information can be complex and difficult because it requires joint decision making between two groups, accountants and line managers, whose different perspectives may interfere with communication and exchange. Interpersonal tension and mistrust may further intensify barriers to problem solving. Deutsch's theory of cooperation and competition was used to examine the interaction between managers and accountants as they made decisions with accounting information. Thirty-three managers from a large food retailer were interviewed on critical incidents. Structural equation and other results support the argument that cooperative goal interdependence induces an open-minded discussion of opposing views. This in turn results in productive decisions and strong relationships which in turn lead to appreciating and valuing the importance of collecting and using accounting and financial information. These relationships seemed to hold across accounting roles. Results were interpreted as suggesting that developing strongly cooperative goals and the skills of constructive controversy can facilitate productive problem solving between accountants and line managers.
DOI
10.1023/A:1008646423873
Print ISSN
09262644
E-ISSN
15729907
Publisher Statement
Copyright © 1998 Kluwer Academic Publishers
Access to external full text or publisher's version may require subscription.
Full-text Version
Publisher’s Version
Language
English
Recommended Citation
Tjosvold, D. (1998). Using and valuing accounting information: Joint decision making between accountants and retail managers. Group Decision & Negotiation, 7(4), 327-345. doi: 10.1023/A:1008646423873