A systems approach to research inquiry in accounting : a research note

Abstract

Accounting research is strongly influenced by the research methodology and methods adopted in the natural sciences. As a result many researchers in Accounting have steered away from non-formal or interpretative methods. From a methodological perspective, Accounting research therefore has a narrow base (Tomkins and Groves, 1983). A solution to expanding the research base may be to search for non-formal, naturalistic research methods in disciplines related to Accounting, where they are more established. The purpose of the article is to introduce a research method, employed in Management Information Systems (Mitroff, Betz, Pondy and Sagasti, 1974) that may be of value to postgraduate students and Accounting researchers engaged in non-formal and naturalistic research. It is hoped that the exposure to this and other research models will contribute towards the broadening of the Accounting research base.