Conference on Qualitative Accounting Research from a China Perspective

On Saturday 9 March, the Department of Accounting, XJTLU hosted the inaugural Conference on Qualitative Accounting Research from a China Perspective. The conference was well attended with participants from 4 different countries and several participants from highly regarded universities in China. This conference aimed to give voice to accounting research in China using qualitative methods of research. This conference created a unique opportunity for accounting (and non-accounting) scholars of the qualitative and interdisciplinary paradigms to assemble in a common location to not only disseminate their research but to share, collaborate and build communities with other like-minded scholars. With this in mind, the conference was a great success. New ideas were shared, existing collaborations were forged, and new ones developed. Before the first conference ended, there was already talk among delegates of a second conference.

Our keynote speaker, Jing Li from the University of Bradford provided a fascinating talk on the topic of ‘content analysis’ as a method of research in accounting drawing attention to its growth, its demise and transformation with the advent of AI. Our second keynote speaker Qingmei Xue, from Nanjing University talked about the implications of emotionalization on the work of auditors, an their reactions in the process of auditing. The topics and theoretical underpinnings of the research presentations were diverse. They ranged from research underpinned by the well-known lens of institutional logics and many of its nested theories, to the infrequently used methodology in accounting, autoethnography. Key concepts included, CSR, AI, management control and pastoral care. The future of qualitative research in China is bright and forums such as this conference, become the showcase for world class research in (and on) China.

The conference was timely because of its segway into a special issue in Meditari Accountancy Research, similarly titled: Qualitative Accounting Research from a Chinese perspective. The special issue does not intend to narrow submissions to particular topics but to provide an opportunity for scholars to delve deeply into the socio-economic and historical aspects of accounting in China; and to consider research using traditional Chinese philosophies such as Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism. Qualitative approaches to research inclusive of interviews, case studies, critical discourse and documentary analysis are strongly encouraged. More information on the special issue can be located at: https://www.emeraldgrouppublishing.com/calls-for-papers/qualitative-accounting-research-a-chinese-perspective