The Adoptionof `Western` Management Accounting/Controlsin China`s State-owned-enterprises During Economic Transition

Abstract

This study explores the influences on the adoption of “Western” management accounting/control practices by China`s state-owned enterprises (SOEs). This topic is important given the potential for such practices to affect SOE operations in the midst of China`s continued privatization programme, and the continued opening of its markets to competition. In-depth interviews were conducted with managers at four SOEs and two of their joint ventures. These interviews indicated increased use of a range of Western management accounting/controls in the SOEs. They also shed light on the factors that influenced the level of adoption. These findings were used to refine a survey instrument for data collection from 82 other SOEs. The survey indicated significant and predicted influences from use of limited-term employment contracts, joint venture experience, stock exchange listing, and the availability of training.