Abstract
Purpose – The aim of this paper is to compare modern internal control systems with those in
medieval England.
Design/methodology/approach – This paper uses a modern referential framework (control
environment, risk assessment, information and communication, monitoring and control activities) as a lens to investigate medieval internal controls used in the twelfth century royal exchequer and other medieval institutions. It draws upon an extensive range of primary materials.
Findings – The paper demonstrates that most of the internal controls found today are present in
medieval England. Stewardship and personal accountability are found to be the core elements of
medieval internal control. The recent recognition of the need for the enhanced personal accountability
of individuals is reminiscent of medieval thinking.
Originality/value – It investigates internal controls in medieval England for the first time and
draws comparisons to today.
Keywords - Management accountability, Corporate governance, Internal control, England, Accounting history
Paper type - Research paper
Translated title of the contribution | Internal control, accountability and corporate governance: Medieval and modern Britain |
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Original language | English |
Pages (from-to) | 1052 - 1075 |
Number of pages | 24 |
Journal | Accounting, Auditing and Accountability Journal |
Volume | 21(7) |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2008 |