I have spent most of my career in Canada working in Indigenous organizations. In most cases, I am the senior accountant. However, in almost all cases the top accountant is an outsider. What role does accounting and accountants play in indigenous society? I have seen instances where the accounting controllers were very controlling, micro managing the spending of indigenous people. I have seen situations where the controllers were loose spenders so anything goes just too curried favors but in the long-tem everyone loses. Do accountants and accounting rules hinder the development of indigenous people? Are accounting rules used mostly as a tool for controlling people not money? I posted here because I think it is a political conversation not just accounting. Some third-world researchers have been basically saying the same thing about the role of accounting in their society. Please give me your feedback. Brutal controversial honesty is welcome.
This is an interesting question to me because I have for some time been interested in "fourth world" issues. I have linked to an organization/journal that might provide you with a perspective on your question. Background on the Term "Fourth World"
Thank you very much Kizmet Has anyone have more insights, especially those who are aboriginals, those who worked in aboriginal societies and organizations, and accountants who contemplate their roles in society? I know it is not a sexy topic like detc or NA, but I need your input.
