Framing numbers “at a distance”: intangible performance reporting in a theater

Abstract

Purpose – The aim is to explore how the framing of numbers may be related to the distance between the information provider and information users. Design/methodology/approach – The design of the paper is a case study, in an organizational situation where there are perceived problems in producing stable inscriptions for reporting to users at a distance. The study focuses on the top management level in a small sized publicly funded theater. The qualitative research design incorporates interviews, observations and document analysis. Findings – The paper illustrates how knowledge and understanding of the circumstances of measurement form a substantial part of what constitutes ‘distance’ between an accounting user and the referred context. It is argued that the framing of numbers may be utilized as a means to control action at a distance. The findings also imply that the use of measurements regarding intangibles may be perceived as useful for purposes beyond internal management. Originality/value – The paper contributes in two ways to prior research on accountability relations and accounting as an enabler of action at a distance: it elaborates on what constitutes a distance, and it also adds an emphasis on reciprocal behavior by the provider of information in an accountability relation.