The changing role of accounting education and management control systems in the age of sustainability

Abstract

This paper suggests that academics need to engage with the sustainable business model, rather than accept that the purpose of business is simply to maximise shareholders' wealth as suggested by neoclassical economics. The business world needs to change considerably as we move from the 20th century, deeper in to the 21st century. Sustainable business practices are essential to global well-being; learners need to have the opportunity to identify problems for themselves and provide solutions of their own. The paper argues that students need to recognise that 'good living' in contemporary society requires the adoption of a sustainable business perspective by business managers and management control systems (MCS) needs to be built to recognise this situation.