Understanding the Process of Management Accounting Change : A Study of a Private Equity Acquisition of a Healthcare Company
Abstract: Private Equity acquisitions are usually followed by rather extensive management accounting changes, thereby making it an ideal situation if the aim is to study the process of change. A case study of a healthcare company, acquired by a private equity seven years ago, was conducted in order to explore what changes were implemented as well as how the change came about. The definition of management control systems by Malmi and Brown (2008) was used to facilitate the understanding of Burns and Scapens institutional framework (2000). Together the chosen theories were applied as a lens to analyse and interpret the empirical findings. The private equity replaced several employees, implemented new management accounting systems and restructured parts of the healthcare company. Prior to the acquisition, the institutions in place were rather weak, as shown by the employees who felt that the management accounting systems in place were inadequate, making the change welcomed. The study also shows that there was a mutual trust between the private equity company and the acquired company. This trust, together with the weak management accounting systems, facilitated a successful MA change process.
AT THIS PAGE YOU CAN DOWNLOAD THE WHOLE ESSAY. (follow the link to the next page)