Abstract
This paper is divided into two parts. In the first part, we attempt to analyze the new concepts of accountability and rendering of accounts that have been adopted in the business world over the last few years and their application to public institutions. Aspects involved in defining stakeholders, corporate governance, intermediate financial information, performance indicators, publication of reports on external control and channels for publication of financial information are also dealt with. The second part of the paper consists of an empirical study of how Catalan municipalities of more than 50,000 inhabitants render accounts to citizens by means of the Internet.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Archel Doménech, P. Estados Contables. Elaboración, Análisis e Interpretación, Madrid: Pirámide, 2003.
Governmental Accounting Standards Board. Objectives of Financial Reporting, Concepts Statement no 1. Connecticut, 1987.
Humphrey, C.; Miller, P.; Scapens, R. W. “Accountability and Accountable Management in the UK Public Sector,” Accounting, Auditing and Accountability, 6, 3, 1993, pp. 7–29.
Law 26/2003 of 17 July, reforming Law 24/1988 on the stock market.
Law 62/2003 of 30 December on tax, administrative and social measures.
National Council on Governmental Accounting. Objectives of Accounting and Financial Reporting for Governmental Units, Concepts Statement no. 1. Chicago, 1982.
Order of 17 July, 1990, approving the Instruction on Accounting for Local Administrations.
Resolution of the Institute of Accounting and Auditing of Accounts of 25 March, 2002, which approved standards for recognition, evaluation and information on the environmental aspects of the annual accounts.
Royal Decree 437/1998 of 20 March, approving the regulations for the General Accounting Plan for companies in the electricity sector.
Royal Legislative Decree 2/2004 of 5 March that approved the Codifying Legislation for the Law on Local Finance Offices.
Sindicatura de Comptes de Catalunya. Compte General de les Corporacions Locals. Exercici 1994, Barcelona, 1996.
Statistical Yearbook of Catalonia (Anuari estadístic de Catalunya) 2003, Barcelona: Idescat publicacions, 2004.
Tomkims, C. R. Achieving Economy, Efficiency and Effectiveness in the Public Sector, London: Kogan Page Limited, 1987.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Martínez-González, A., Martí, J. Accountability and Rendering of Accounts: New Approaches for the Public Sector. Int Adv Econ Res 12, 67–80 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11294-006-6135-x
Received:
Accepted:
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11294-006-6135-x