The Nature of Accounting and Finance Research

In this introductory chapter, we begin by considering what constitutes research. This is then followed by a general discussion of knowledge production and the skills required of accounting and finance researchers. Novice researchers are often bamboozled by the variety of research methods, methodologies and philosophical pathways open to them; moreover, terminology can often be inconsistent, which adds further confusion. In order to minimise confusion, we have included an overview of the philosophical traditions of accounting and finance research. We then address the nature of accounting and finance research more broadly, highlighting topical areas of research, before turning our attention to various aspects of the research process and the specific skills required when conducting a project in this area.