Accounting and network coordination

Accounting and the classical coordination forms of hierarchy and market are closely related concepts. New forms of coordination, including alliances and close cooperation between companies have opened up new challenges to how accounting should be designed and practised. In the first part of this paper the theoretical basis for the connection between coordination forms and the need for information is explored. Two key problems seem to be that the coordination forms are not just alternatives, but can be used in combination, and that relationships between companies can be viewed in different ways. These issues are studied through a case study of an extensive relationship between Ericsson and Telia Mobile. The case demonstrates that all of the three basic coordination forms are used in creating a complex network relating a set of sub-units from the two companies to each other and to other related parties. This means that accounting methods developed earlier can be used in several ways to enhance the development of the relationships and that the latter should not be perceived from one level or considered to be a uniform form. Companies can combine the different forms on one level to achieve a coordination form that is unique at a higher level. (C) 2003 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.