Machine learning

Positive accounting

Conceptual framework

Economics

Financial accounting

Accounting

Accounting research

Accounting information system

Qualitative research

Accountability

Public service

Management accounting

Political science

Value (mathematics)

Originality

Public relations

Computer science

Sociology

Social accounting

Public value

Social science

Accounting Auditing & Accountability Journal

Purpose This paper aims to highlight the importance of (public) value(s) and publicness in accounting and accountability research. It pinpoints a range of issues that scholars need to contemplate when reconsidering publicness in accounting research and practice. Design/methodology/approach The paper adopts an interdisciplinary literature review associated with a conceptual discussion of the actual and future challenges of public service accounting and accountability in considering public value(s). Findings The paper illustrates the centrality of (public) value(s) at the individual, organizational and societal levels in shaping and being shaped by calculative practices, and shows that looking at the interconnections between values and accounting is a fruitful research avenue. Moreover, it highlights the power of embracing interdisciplinary approaches to illuminate these interconnections and relate them to complex and current phenomena. Originality/value The paper’s originality lies in the reconsideration of (public) value(s) for public service accounting scholars, providing a critical reflection and setting new research avenues.

Accounting for (public) value(s): reconsidering publicness in accounting research and practice