Paper Development Workshop on Innovative Research Methods in Accounting
We invite interested researchers to submit their work and join us in Helsinki for what promises to be an exciting two-day exchange!
How can accounting research tackle “grand challenges” and navigate between activism and scientific rigor?
The accounting field is at a crucial juncture. In the face of global grand challenges such as climate change, social inequality, and economic and political instability, the need for impactful accounting research has never been greater. However, traditional research methods in accounting – primarily retrospective and quantitative analyses of financial data – often fail to provide the insights or tools necessary to holistically engage with these complex issues. For example, traditional research methods such as discourse- or interview-based approaches tend to be insular and reactive, limiting researchers' ability to contribute to real-time problem-solving and develop theories for (more desirable) futures.
Against this backdrop, innovative research methodologies that embrace more active engagement with research subjects are gaining traction. While such methodologies hold great potential to make accounting research more impactful, they are currently underconceptualised and we lack guidance on how to navigate the delicate path between activism and scientific rigor. By bringing together leading experts from different fields this paper development workshop aims to bring clarity to innovative research methodologies in accounting and beyond. Specifically, it aims not only to bring clarity to what innovative research means (discussing notably its epistemological approach), but also to help researchers develop their innovative research work so it may match the expected publication standards of respected journals.
The following panellists have confirmed their attendance:
Panel on research approaches
Leandro Bonfim (Bucknell University), Non-extractive research
Lisa Hehenberger (ESADE), Inside-out research
Kari Lukka (University of Turku), Interventionist research
Susan O’Leary (Royal Holloway University of London), Immersive research
Ed Vosselman (Radboud Universiteit), Performativist inquiry
Panel on editors’ perspectives
John Dumay (Macquarie University), Associate Editor of Accounting Auditing and Accountability Journal
Lukas Goretzki (Stockholm School of Economics), Editor of Qualitative Research in Accounting and Management
Helen Tregidga (Royal Holloway University of London), Editor of Critical Perspectives on Accounting, Editorial Board of Accounting, Organizations and Society
Eija Vinnari (Tampere University), Associate Editor of Critical Perspectives on Accounting, Editorial Board of Accounting, Organizations and Society
Key dates:
Workshop Date: September 15th & 16th, 2025
Extended Abstract Submission Deadline: March 16th, 2025
Notification of Acceptance: April 15th, 2025
Location of the Workshop:
Hanken School of Economics, Helsinki, Finland