A critical theory perspective on the pressures, contradictions and dilemmas faced by entry-level accounting academics

Article

James, Kieran. 2008. "A critical theory perspective on the pressures, contradictions and dilemmas faced by entry-level accounting academics." Critical Perspectives on Accounting. 19 (8), pp. 1263-1295. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cpa.2008.01.008
Article Title

A critical theory perspective on the pressures, contradictions and dilemmas faced by entry-level accounting academics

ERA Journal ID19083
Article CategoryArticle
Authors
AuthorJames, Kieran
Journal TitleCritical Perspectives on Accounting
Journal Citation19 (8), pp. 1263-1295
Number of Pages33
Year2008
Place of PublicationAmsterdam, Netherlands
ISSN1045-2354
1095-9955
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cpa.2008.01.008
Abstract

This paper is a study of the accounting academic labour market and workplace conditions. Its particular focus is on the pressures, contradictions and dilemmas experienced by junior (Level A and B) accounting academics at Australian universities. It is argued that, due to work, personal and family pressures, many junior staff members may struggle to complete their PhD within a prescribed time frame. The reasons for this are discussed, as well as the likely effects. The Marxist concept of 'alienation' is explored in detail to explain how a junior staff member’s work 'product' may take on a life of its own which stands up in opposition to her/him, to accuse her/him. The writings of the first-generation critical theorist, Herbert Marcuse, are used to suggest a radical path forward for the junior staff member. She/he is encouraged to take charge of her/his own destiny from within, value personal relationships, and pursue scholarship for its own sake. Opportunities for resistance are also explored in the paper.

Keywordsacademic work conditions
ANZSRC Field of Research 2020390303. Higher education
350101. Accounting theory and standards
390103. Economics, business and management curriculum and pedagogy
Public Notes

File reproduced in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher/author.

Byline AffiliationsSchool of Accounting, Economics and Finance
Permalink -

https://research.usq.edu.au/item/9yxyq/a-critical-theory-perspective-on-the-pressures-contradictions-and-dilemmas-faced-by-entry-level-accounting-academics

Log in to edit

Download files

Accepted Version
James_2008_Critical_theory_AM.pdf
File access level: Anyone

  • 1948
    total views
  • 1465
    total downloads
  • 6
    views this month
  • 5
    downloads this month

Export as

Related outputs

Corporate social responsibility reporting of international oil companies in Nigeria: an historical materialism analysis
Odera, Odhiambo, James, Kieran, Scott, Albert and Gow, Jeff. 2020. "Corporate social responsibility reporting of international oil companies in Nigeria: an historical materialism analysis." International Journal of Ethics and Systems. 36 (1), pp. 131-146. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJOES-04-2019-0071
Assessing whether environmental impact is a criterion of consumers when selecting an airline
McLachlan, Jamie, James, Kieran and Hampson, Bonnie. 2018. "Assessing whether environmental impact is a criterion of consumers when selecting an airline." International Journal of Advanced Research. 6 (3), pp. 740-755. https://doi.org/10.21474/IJAR01/6727
Commercial and implementation issues relating to the widespread acceptance and adoption of radio frequency identification technology
Rodrigues, Mark J. and James, Kieran. 2011. "Commercial and implementation issues relating to the widespread acceptance and adoption of radio frequency identification technology ." Turcu, Cristina (ed.) Designing and deploying RFID applications. Rijeka, Croatia. InTech Europe. pp. 11-22
Review of agricultural water management policies in near east and North African region in light of water scarcity
Abdudayem, Abdulmagid, James, Kieran and Scott, Albert. 2013. "Review of agricultural water management policies in near east and North African region in light of water scarcity." African Journal of Economic and Sustainable Development. 2 (2), pp. 122-138. https://doi.org/10.1504/AJESD.2013.055135
A review of the contextual factors associated with the North African business environment: descriptive historical study
Alnaas, Ali Abdullah, James, Kieran and Scott, Albert H. S.. 2013. "A review of the contextual factors associated with the North African business environment: descriptive historical study." African Journal of Accounting, Auditing and Finance. 2 (1), pp. 9-26.
Are accounting students socially and politically aware? A critical analysis of the responses of accounting students to social and political dilemmas in society
James, Kieran and Kavanagh, Marie H.. 2013. "Are accounting students socially and politically aware? A critical analysis of the responses of accounting students to social and political dilemmas in society." International Journal of Critical Accounting. 5 (1), pp. 34-62.
Director remuneration and performance in Malaysia family firms: an expropriation matter?
Jaafar, Syaiful Baharee, Wahab, Effiezal Aswadi Abdul and James, Kieran. 2012. "Director remuneration and performance in Malaysia family firms: an expropriation matter? " World Review of Business Research. 2 (4), pp. 204-222.
The development of internal auditing in Ethiopia: the role of institutional norms
Mihret, Dessalegn Getie, Mula, Joseph M. and James, Kieran. 2012. "The development of internal auditing in Ethiopia: the role of institutional norms." Journal of Financial Reporting and Accounting. 10 (2), pp. 153-170. https://doi.org/10.1108/19852511211273705
The quantity and quality of environmental disclosure in annual reports of national oil and gas companies in Middle East and North Africa
Eljayash, Kamal Mehemed, James, Kieran and Kong, Eric. 2012. "The quantity and quality of environmental disclosure in annual reports of national oil and gas companies in Middle East and North Africa." International Journal of Economics and Finance. 4 (10), pp. 201-217. https://doi.org/10.5539/ijef.v4n10p201
Accounting professionalization amidst alternating state ideology in Ethiopia
Mihret, Dessalegn Getie, James, Kieran and Mula, Joseph M.. 2012. "Accounting professionalization amidst alternating state ideology in Ethiopia ." Accounting Auditing and Accountability Journal. 25 (7), pp. 1206-1233. https://doi.org/10.1108/09513571211263248
Romanian accounting profession: erudition and perspectives
Matis, Dumitru, James, Kieran, Mustata, Razvan V. and Bonaci, Carmen Giorgiana. 2012. "Romanian accounting profession: erudition and perspectives." International Journal of Critical Accounting. 4 (2), pp. 120-144.
The rebuilding of a life after jail time for fraud
Lam, Joseph, James, Kieran and Leung, Jenny Kwai-Sim. 2012. "The rebuilding of a life after jail time for fraud." Australasian Accounting Business and Finance Journal. 6 (2), pp. 91-112.
The rejuvenation of the NSP and the rebranding of the SDP: conversations with Singapore's Opposition politicians
James, Kieran, Chia, Roderick, Grant, Bligh and Lee, Dexter. 2011. "The rejuvenation of the NSP and the rebranding of the SDP: conversations with Singapore's Opposition politicians ." Jebat: Malaysian Journal of History, Politics and Strategic Studies. 38 (2), pp. 99-118.
On the allocation of a takeover purchase price under AASB1013
James, Kieran, How, Janice and Verhoeven, Peter. 2011. "On the allocation of a takeover purchase price under AASB1013." Asian Academy of Management Journal of Accounting and Finance. 7 (2), pp. 1-34.
Behind the facade
James, Kieran. 2011. "Behind the facade." Crew, Singa (ed.) Singapore sucks!. Petaling Jaya, Malaysia. Gerakbudaya Enterprises. pp. 97-100
Echoes of Sartre: using existentialism as a living philosophy to inform the teaching of the soft accounting theory, business ethics and ecological sustainability courses
James, Kieran. 2011. "Echoes of Sartre: using existentialism as a living philosophy to inform the teaching of the soft accounting theory, business ethics and ecological sustainability courses." Prime Research on Education. 1 (7), pp. 120-133.
From building site warriors to Korean church: radical strategic realignment in Sydney’s construction union
Leung, Jenny Kwai-Sim, James, Kieran and Ahmad, Sujan. 2011. "From building site warriors to Korean church: radical strategic realignment in Sydney’s construction union." International Journal of Economics and Accounting. 2 (4), pp. 387-416. https://doi.org/10.1504/IJEA.2011.044385
Audit fees in Malaysia: does corporate governance matter?
Wahab, Effiezal Aswadi Abdul, Zain, Mazlina Mat and James, Kieran. 2011. "Audit fees in Malaysia: does corporate governance matter? " Asian Academy of Management Journal of Accounting and Finance. 7 (1), pp. 1-27.
Postcard from the podium: a real-world assessment task for postgradute and distance students
James, Kieran and Birt, Jacqueline. 2009. "Postcard from the podium: a real-world assessment task for postgradute and distance students." Accounting Education: An International Journal. https://doi.org/10.1080/09639280902790193
Where to now, Melbourne Croatia? Football federation Australia's use of accounting numbers to institute exclusion upon ethnic clubs
James, Kieran, Tolliday, Chris and Walsh, Rex. 2011. "Where to now, Melbourne Croatia? Football federation Australia's use of accounting numbers to institute exclusion upon ethnic clubs." Asian Review of Accounting. 19 (2), pp. 112-124. https://doi.org/10.1108/13217341111181050
Overseas listing and accounting conservatism: evidence from Chinese H-share companies
Kung, Fan-Hua, James, Kieran and Cheng, Chia-Ling. 2011. "Overseas listing and accounting conservatism: evidence from Chinese H-share companies ." Asian Review of Accounting. 19 (3), pp. 266-278. https://doi.org/10.1108/13217341111185164
Raskolnikov speaks today: Marxism and alienation in Fyodor Dostoyevsky’s Crime and Punishment and the implications for business ethics education
James, Kieran, Briggs, Susan P. and James, Eunice M.. 2011. "Raskolnikov speaks today: Marxism and alienation in Fyodor Dostoyevsky’s Crime and Punishment and the implications for business ethics education ." International Journal of Critical Accounting. 3 (4), pp. 321-349. https://doi.org/10.1504/IJCA.2011.042927
What would Sartre say?: using existentialism to inform teaching thought and practice in accounting and management
James, Kieran and Walsh, Rex. 2011. "What would Sartre say?: using existentialism to inform teaching thought and practice in accounting and management." Educational Research. 2 (8), pp. 1317-1329.
Political connections, corporate governance and audit fees in Malaysia
Wahab, Effiezal Aswadi Abdul, Zain, Mazlina Mat and James, Kieran. 2011. "Political connections, corporate governance and audit fees in Malaysia." Managerial Auditing Journal. 26 (5), pp. 393-418. https://doi.org/10.1108/02686901111129562
Poverty in paradise city: when the jester has a broken heart
James, Kieran, Walsh, Rex and Grant, Bligh. 2011. "Poverty in paradise city: when the jester has a broken heart." Journal of Peace, Gender and Development Studies. 1 (4), pp. 138-154.
Cross-cultural impact on the budgeting cycle: a preliminary analysis of Anglo-American and Libyan companies operating in Libyan oil sector
James, Kieran, Kanan, Ramadan and Mula, Joseph M.. 2010. "Cross-cultural impact on the budgeting cycle: a preliminary analysis of Anglo-American and Libyan companies operating in Libyan oil sector." Mula, Joseph M. (ed.) 2010 Accounting and Finance Association of Australia and New Zealand Conference (2010 AFAANZ). Christchurch, New Zealand 04 - 06 Jul 2010 Christchurch, New Zealand. Accounting & Finance Association of Australia and New Zealand.
Effects of corporate ownership structure on earnings conservatism: evidence from China
Kung, Fan-Hua, Cheng, Chia-Ling and James, Kieran. 2010. "Effects of corporate ownership structure on earnings conservatism: evidence from China." Asian Journal of Finance and Accounting. 2 (1), pp. 47-67. https://doi.org/10.5296/ajfa.v2i1.431
Catholicism and alcoholism: the Irish diaspora lived ethics of the Dropkick Murphys punk band
James, Kieran and Grant, Bligh. 2010. "Catholicism and alcoholism: the Irish diaspora lived ethics of the Dropkick Murphys punk band." Hayes, Anna and Mason, Robert (ed.) Migrant Security 2010: Citizenship and Social Inclusion in a Transnational Era. Toowoomba, Australia 15 - 16 Jul 2010 Toowoomba, Australia.
Is conditional conservatism higher for overseas-listed Chinese companies on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange?
Kung, Fan-Hua, James, Kieran and Cheng, Chia-Ling. 2010. "Is conditional conservatism higher for overseas-listed Chinese companies on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange?" Irish Accounting Review. 17 (1), pp. 31-53.
Antecedents and organisational performance implications of internal audit effectiveness: some propositions and research agenda
Mihret, Dessalegn Getie, James, Kieran and Mula, Joseph M.. 2010. "Antecedents and organisational performance implications of internal audit effectiveness: some propositions and research agenda ." Pacific Accounting Review. 22 (3), pp. 224-252. https://doi.org/10.1108/01140581011091684
Modern Pentecostal understandings of money, investment and accounting - Kenneth and Gloria Copeland's faith teaching
James, Kieran, Hardy, Les and Narraway, Tim. 2010. "Modern Pentecostal understandings of money, investment and accounting - Kenneth and Gloria Copeland's faith teaching." International Journal of Critical Accounting. 2 (4), pp. 340-371. https://doi.org/10.1504/IJCA.2010.036176
Who am I? Where are we? Where do we go from here?: Marxism, voice, representation, and synthesis
James, Kieran. 2010. "Who am I? Where are we? Where do we go from here?: Marxism, voice, representation, and synthesis." Critical Perspectives on Accounting. 21 (8), pp. 696-710. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cpa.2010.06.008
Accounting for goodwill in Australian business combinations: is there a value to choose?
James, Kieran. 2010. Accounting for goodwill in Australian business combinations: is there a value to choose? Saarbrucken, Germany. VDM Verlag Dr. Muller.
Sydney's construction union strategy and immigrant worker issues: a Roman Catholic-Marxist perspective
Leung, Jenny Kwai-Sim and James, Kieran. 2010. Sydney's construction union strategy and immigrant worker issues: a Roman Catholic-Marxist perspective. Toronto, Canada. Spire Publishing.
Living the punk life in Green Bay, Wisconsin: exploring contradiction in the music of NOFX
James, Kieran. 2010. "Living the punk life in Green Bay, Wisconsin: exploring contradiction in the music of NOFX." Musicology Australia. 32 (1), pp. 95-120. https://doi.org/10.1080/08145851003794018
From 'The Undead Will Feast' to 'The Time to Kill is Now': Frankfurt School and Freudian perspectives on death-metal
James, Kieran. 2009. "From 'The Undead Will Feast' to 'The Time to Kill is Now': Frankfurt School and Freudian perspectives on death-metal." Musicology Australia. 31, pp. 17-39.
Perceived barriers to the widespread commercial use of radio frequency identification technology
Rodrigues, Mark J. and James, Kieran. 2010. "Perceived barriers to the widespread commercial use of radio frequency identification technology." International Journal of Security and Networks. 5 (2/3), pp. 165-172. https://doi.org/10.1504/IJSN.2010.032215
Trade union strategy in Sydney's construction union: a Roman Catholic perspective
Leung, Jenny Kwai-Sim, James, Kieran, Mustata, Razvan V. and Bonaci, Carmen Giorgiana. 2010. "Trade union strategy in Sydney's construction union: a Roman Catholic perspective." International Journal of Social Economics. 37 (7), pp. 488-511. https://doi.org/10.1108/03068291011055441
A critical theory approach to information technology transfer to the developing world and a critique of maintained assumptions in the literature
Al-Mabrouk, Khalid and James, Kieran. 2009. "A critical theory approach to information technology transfer to the developing world and a critique of maintained assumptions in the literature." Cater-Steel, Aileen and Al-Hakim, Latif (ed.) Information systems research methods, epistemology, and applications. Hershey PA, USA. IGI Global. pp. 73-87
Racial biases in recruitment by accounting firms: the case of international Chinese applicants in Australia
James, Kieran and Otsuka, Setsuo. 2009. "Racial biases in recruitment by accounting firms: the case of international Chinese applicants in Australia." Critical Perspectives on Accounting. 20 (4), pp. 469-491. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cpa.2008.02.005
Accounting professionalization amidst alternating politico-economic order of Ethiopia
James, Kieran, Mihret, Dessalegn Getie and Mula, Joseph M.. 2009. "Accounting professionalization amidst alternating politico-economic order of Ethiopia." Segel, Naomi (ed.) 2009 Accounting and Finance Association of Australia and New Zealand Conference (2009 AFAANZ). Adelaide, Australia 05 - 07 Jul 2010 Melbourne, Australia.
This is England: punk rock's realist/idealist dialectic and its implications for critical accounting education
James, Kieran. 2009. "This is England: punk rock's realist/idealist dialectic and its implications for critical accounting education." Accounting Forum. 33 (2), pp. 127-145. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.accfor.2008.01.002
Structural change in the music industry: a Marxist critique of public statements made by members of Metallica during the lawsuit against Napster
James, Kieran and Tolliday, Christopher. 2009. "Structural change in the music industry: a Marxist critique of public statements made by members of Metallica during the lawsuit against Napster." International Journal of Critical Accounting. 1 (1/2), pp. 144-176. https://doi.org/10.1504/IJCA.2009.025335
Institutional investors, political connection and audit quality in Malaysia
Wahab, Effiezal Aswadi Abdul, Zain, Mazlina Mat, James, Kieran and Haron, Hasnah. 2009. "Institutional investors, political connection and audit quality in Malaysia." Accounting Research Journal. 22 (2), pp. 167-195. https://doi.org/10.1108/10309610910987501
Did the goodwill accounting standard impose material economic consequences on Australian acquirers?
James, Kieran, How, Janice and Verhoeven, Peter. 2008. "Did the goodwill accounting standard impose material economic consequences on Australian acquirers?" Accounting and Finance. 48 (4), pp. 625-647. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-629x.2007.00246.x
A radical approach to accounting education: educating the whole person as a response to the business crises of tomorrow
James, Kieran. James, Kieran (ed.) 2009. A radical approach to accounting education: educating the whole person as a response to the business crises of tomorrow . Saarbrücken, Germany. VDM Verlag Dr. Muller.
Japanese culture and budgeting: a review of the literature and a limited pilot study to illustrate the research agenda
Yee, Cassandra Seow-Ling, Otsuka, Setsuo, James, Kieran and Leung, Jenny Kwai-Sim. 2008. "Japanese culture and budgeting: a review of the literature and a limited pilot study to illustrate the research agenda." Managerial Auditing Journal. 23 (9), pp. 873-899. https://doi.org/10.1108/02686900810908436
Accounting conservatism in Greater China: the influence of institutions and incentives
Kung, Fan-Hua (Alex), Ting, Chih-Wen and James, Kieran. 2008. "Accounting conservatism in Greater China: the influence of institutions and incentives." Asian Review of Accounting. 16 (2), pp. 134-148. https://doi.org/10.1108/13217340810889933
A critical theory and postmodernist approach to the teaching of accounting theory
James, Kieran. 2008. "A critical theory and postmodernist approach to the teaching of accounting theory." Critical Perspectives on Accounting. 19 (5), pp. 643-676. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cpa.2006.11.004