Exploring the role of Transformation-oriented Behavioral Accounting in Business Sustainability: A qualitative research
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.33095/0c8bsq40Keywords:
Behavioral accounting, organizational transformation, business sustainability, sustainable development, the Baghdad Textile and Leather CompanyAbstract
Behavioral accounting is an interdisciplinary approach that the substantially contributes to financial decision-making by providing analysis of behaviors and guides managers throughout the risks to help organizations achieve their goals. This study examines the impact of transformation-oriented behavioral accounting on business sustainability within Baghdad’s State Company for Textile and Leather. The study employed a qualitative approach and an interpretative phenomenological method. The statistical population consisted of the managers of the Baghdad Textile and Leather Company. From this population, 14 individuals with their knowledge of accounting and behaviorism were selected through purposive sampling. Sampling continued until data saturation was reached. The data were collected using semi-structured in-depth interviews. The interview analysis yielded one main theme: transforming the financial decision-making model into a sustainability model through behavioral accounting. This theme was further elaborated upon in nine sub-themes, including: the necessity of transitioning to sustainability in the face of competitive market challenges; facilitating sustainable transformation; the impact of organizational culture; behavioral accounting, financial responsibility, and management; improving sustainability reporting; enhancing strategic decision-making for sustainability; improving stakeholder engagement in sustainability; improving environmental performance; and improving social performance. Identifying these themes not only increases insight and awareness regarding behavioral accounting geared towards transformation and sustainability but also demonstrates that behavioral accounting is a dual-track approach with positive implications for both the behavioral and accounting dimensions of a company. It can offer potential benefits to Baghdad Textile and Leather Company. Key research recommendations include establishing a system for evaluating employee behavioral and financial performance in collaboration with specialized consulting firms and providing rewards and benefits to employees actively participating in sustainability initiatives.
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Interview Questions
To contribute to the development of companies operating within the Ministry of Industry, including the General Company for Textiles and Leather, please answer the following questions. A scientific study on behavioral accounting and its role in sustainability will be prepared. The study topic is important as it addresses a significant factor influencing company decisions regarding maintaining growth and continuity amidst the current challenges of the Iraqi market. This involves the behavioral aspect of financial decisions and their relationship to sustainability that is, maintaining growth in the present and the long term.
1. Please fill in the following information:
Gender: Age: Marital Status:
Educational Qualification: Years of Service: Job Title:
2. How was this company established? What important steps has it taken to achieve environmental and social sustainability?
3. What led to the decision to undertake a more comprehensive transformation towards sustainability?
4. What procedures will help us make effective decisions to guide the organizational transformation towards sustainability?
5. How do all employees in the organization manage the budget for a particular program?
6. Have you ever heard of behavioral accounting? 7. How do you see behavioral accounting as an effective factor in organizational transformation toward sustainability?
8. What was your first impression upon joining this company, and what caught your attention?
9. Why do you think a company that was sustainable from the beginning still needs room to transition toward more comprehensive sustainability?
10. What reactions or changes did you experience when receiving accounting information? For example, the program budget?
11. How does behavioral accounting appear from the perspective of your current role?
12. Do you believe that accounting information influences how sustainability decisions are made?
13. Do you believe that behavioral accounting and the culture in this organization are interconnected and play a role in the company's sustainability?
14. Can organizational accounting play an effective, influential, and positive role during times of organizational change? If so, how?
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