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The past, the present and the future of accounting for human rights

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Ferguson_2016_PastPresentFuture_AAM.pdf (271.1Kb)
Date
2016
Author
McPhail, Ken
Ferguson, John
Keywords
Accountability
Assurance
Reporting
Human rights
HF5601 Accounting
HN Social history and conditions. Social problems. Social reform
JZ International relations
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Abstract
Purpose – This paper discusses a number of important recent developments in the area of business and human rights and considers the impact of these developments for accounting, assurance and reporting. Following the UN endorsement of the Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (the Guiding Principles) in June 2011, initiatives related to their implementation have advanced at a rapid pace. Despite the centrality of accounting, assurance and reporting to some of the key initiates – accounting research has, hitherto, lagged behind this growing momentum. In order to address this lacunae, this paper develops an agenda for future research in the area of accounting and human rights. In doing so, the paper provides an overview of the important contributions advanced by the other papers in this special issue of Accounting, Auditing and Accountability Journal (AAAJ). Design/methodology/approach – This paper draws together and identifies key issues and themes related to the rapidly evolving research and policy domain of business and human rights and considers the relevance of these issues to accounting research. Findings – The paper highlights the wide-ranging impact the Guiding Principles and other developments in business and human rights have for accounting practice and draws attention to potential areas of research for accounting scholars. In particular, the paper highlights the emergence of business and human rights due diligence requirements, including their management and reporting. Further, the paper draws attention to the development of business and human rights reporting and assurance practice – which, while still in its infancy, has gathered considerable momentum and support. Research limitations/implications – The paper provides important insights into emerging issues and developments in business and human rights that have clear relevance to accounting research and practice. Originality/value – This paper, and the other contributions to this special issue of AAAJ, provide a basis and a research agenda for accounting scholars seeking to undertake research in this significant and emerging field.
Citation
McPhail , K & Ferguson , J 2016 , ' The past, the present and the future of accounting for human rights ' , Accounting, Auditing & Accountability Journal , vol. 29 , no. 4 , pp. 526-541 . https://doi.org/10.1108/AAAJ-03-2016-2441
Publication
Accounting, Auditing & Accountability Journal
Status
Peer reviewed
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1108/AAAJ-03-2016-2441
ISSN
0951-3574
Type
Journal item
Rights
© 2016, Emerald Group Publishing. This work is made available online in accordance with the publisher’s policies. This is the author created, accepted version manuscript following peer review and may differ slightly from the final published version. The final published version of this work is available at www.emeraldinsight.com http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/AAAJ-03-2016-2441
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  • University of St Andrews Research
URI
http://hdl.handle.net/10023/12405

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