Diana A. Weekes-Marshall’s research while affiliated with University of the West Indies and other places

Abstract Purpose – This paper aims to examine the perceptions of accountants on corporate governance (CG) practices in public limited liability companies in Barbados, and the perceived effectiveness of these mechanisms. Design/methodology/approach – A three-stage approach was utilized. First, an Internet-based questionnaire was sent to members of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Barbados to gain accounting perspectives on CG practices by listed Barbadian companies. Second, feedback on the survey results was obtained from the attendees of a panel session at a regional accounting conference. Third, interviews were conducted with five qualified accountants to further explore issues that emerged from the previous stages. Findings – The results suggest that the most important mechanisms for effective CG were the board of directors, auditors and professional accountants. The timely provision of relevant information, board room culture, qualifications and independence of directors were the tasks considered most vital to enhancing board effectiveness. However, the high concentration of ownership in family-controlled firms, interlocking directorates, weak regulatory systems and cultural issues influenced the effectiveness of CG mechanisms. Recommendations for overcoming these barriers and improving CG included purposive training, whistle-blowing mechanisms, stronger legislation and adequate disclosures. Research limitations/implications – The study’s small sample increases the likelihood of bias and important differences being missed, thus reducing the generalizability to the accounting profession as a whole. Practical implications – The research sheds light on the value being placed on CG practices by the accounting profession. The study would assist companies, board of directors and accounting practitioners in developing CG mechanisms that are suitable for emerging countries. Originality/value – The paper contributes to the dearth of literature on perceptions of accountants on CG practices in emerging economies. Keywords Corporate governance, Board of directors, Barbados, Interlocking directorates, Institutional theory, Accountants, Regulatory Paper type: Research paper

Ethical decision-making is an important function among accountants. This paper sought to determine the factors influencing the ethical intentions of future accounting profes-sionals. Specifically, this study tested the applicability of the theory of reasoned action (TRA), theory of planned behavior (TPB) and the extended model of the theory of planned behavior (ETPB) in predicting accounting students' intentions to act unethically (breaching confiden-tiality and charging expenses). Data was collected via a survey questionnaire from 298 accounting students at a Caribbean university. Results revealed that the independent variables (attitudes, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control and moral obligation) significantly predicted students' intentions to breach confidentiality and charge personal expenses. Our findings show that the ETPB is a good predictor of ethical intentions among future accounting professionals. Keywords Ethics . Theory of planned behavior . Attitudes . Subjective norms . Perceived behavioral control . Moral obligation . Ethical intentions Introduction

Ethical decision-making is an important function among accountants. This paper sought to determine the factors influencing the ethical intentions of future accounting professionals. Specifically, this study tested the applicability of the theory of reasoned action (TRA), theory of planned behavior (TPB) and the extended model of the theory of planned behavior (ETPB) in predicting accounting students’ intentions to act unethically (breaching confidentiality and charging expenses). Data was collected via a survey questionnaire from 298 accounting students at a Caribbean university. Results revealed that the independent variables (attitudes, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control and moral obligation) significantly predicted students’ intentions to breach confidentiality and charge personal expenses. Our findings show that the ETPB is a good predictor of ethical intentions among future accounting professionals.

This study sought to obtain perceptions of whistle-blowing, and to examine the relationship between organisational commitment, corporate ethical values and whistle-blowing among accountants in Barbados. Self-administered questionnaires were distributed to accountants working in organisations. As a result, 236 useable responses were obtained. Accountants did not perceive whistle-blowing to be wrong but were still unlikely to blow the whistle. This reluctance was cited as stemming from high personal costs in the form of retaliation and victimisation, a close relationship with the wrongdoer, and publicity that could negatively impact the organisation. Factors cited as encouraging whistle-blowing included job satisfaction, severity of the incident, anonymity, personal benefits and the need to correct wrongdoing that may harm the organisation. Accounting staff were aware of their organisation's code of ethics and encouragement of whistle-blowing, but most seemed to be unaware of adequate mechanisms to protect potential whistle-blowers. Organisational commitment and corporate ethical values were significant predictors of internal and external whistle-blowing intentions. To encourage internal whistle-blowing, the organisation should provide training, education, improve the organisation's code of conduct and ethical culture, create acceptance of internal reporting mechanisms, increase job satisfaction, and reward ethical behaviour.

This paper examines the management accounting practices in three manufacturing companies within a public limited group company in Barbados. Semi-structured interviews were done with a financial controller, production/operations manager and supervisor in each company. Respondents perceived that management accounting practices enable management to obtain relevant information for meaningful decision making. Budgeting was used as a control tool within the planning process and for monitoring the cash flow. The majority of management accounting practices were widely used by the sample. No sophisticated management accounting software was used to generate information other than the normal accounting software. Timeliness, technology, effectiveness, information needs and an adoption of best practice were important factors influencing the choice of management accounting practices used. Respondents perceived that the management accounting practices employed within the three entities were very effective and contributed to the success of the entities. It was also found that the management accounting practices were consistent and standardised across the group.