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Biscarra - Theories On Digital Entrepreneurship and Digital Accounting
Biscarra - Theories On Digital Entrepreneurship and Digital Accounting
September 9, 2023
1. Introduction
entrepreneurship and accounting, giving rise to new challenges and opportunities in both
domains. Digital entrepreneurship encompasses the creation and growth of innovative ventures
in the digital realm, while digital accounting involves the use of technology to manage financial
data and reporting. In this era of unprecedented digital transformation, understanding the
theoretical foundations that underpin these fields is crucial for navigating the complexities of the
digitalization. The advent of the internet, cloud computing, big data analytics, and the
proliferation of mobile devices has not only altered the way entrepreneurs create and scale their
ventures but has also transformed how financial data is recorded, analyzed, and communicated.
In this context, theories in digital entrepreneurship and digital accounting serve as guiding
This research paper aims to shed light on the theoretical foundations of digital
entrepreneurship and digital accounting and their real-world applications. It underscores the
significance of bridging theory and practice in these dynamic fields, as entrepreneurs and
accountants increasingly find themselves at the intersection of technology and business strategy.
By examining five prominent theories in each domain and providing case studies to illustrate
their practical implications, this study offers valuable insights for academics, professionals, and
policymakers.
To explore and explain the five key theories in digital entrepreneurship and digital
accounting.
To analyze how these theories are applied in practice through case studies of notable
To investigate the interplay between theory and practice in the digital business and
To provide practical insights and implications for digital entrepreneurs, accountants, and
decision-makers.
To achieve these objectives, the following research questions will guide our inquiry:
1. What are the foundational theories in digital entrepreneurship, and how are they relevant
2. What are the theoretical underpinnings of digital accounting, and how do they impact
4. What challenges and opportunities arise in the convergence of theory and practice in the
digital era?
5. What can we learn from these insights, and what directions should future research and
digital accounting?
Through the exploration of these questions and the examination of theories and case studies,
this research paper aims to contribute to a deeper understanding of the theoretical foundations
and practical implications of digital entrepreneurship and digital accounting in the 21st century
business environment.
entrepreneurship. This research paper explores the essential theories that underpin digital
entrepreneurship, providing insights into how these theories inform the strategies and outcomes
of entrepreneurs in the digital age. We'll uncover the foundational ideas that drive innovation,
The Resource-Based View theory emphasizes the importance of a firm's unique bundle of
Specifically, RBV plays a crucial role in analyzing the organizational capabilities that connect
advantage. When we apply the RBV framework to assess the capabilities of an organization
relative to competitors and suppliers within the realm of digital entrepreneurship, several key
considerations emerge.
competitive advantage. Key criteria for a resource to create a competitive advantage, as outlined
by Barney (1999), include value, rarity, imitability, and organization. Valuable, rare, and hard-
to- imitate resources can be sources of competitive advantage, but effective organization is also
vital. Traditionally, RBV focused on internal resources within an organization. However, the
and gain a competitive edge. This perspective is particularly relevant in the context of digital
entrepreneurship, highlighting the role of external partnerships, digital resources, and resource
In the context of digital entrepreneurship, this theory highlights the significance of digital
IT-enabled intangibles (Bharadwaj, 2000). These resources enable firms to create value and
reduce costs through the effective use of digital technologies. For instance, information
technology
Theoretical Foundations of Digital Entrepreneurship and Digital Accounting (Biscarra, 2023)
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infrastructure can launch novel digital applications, and human IT resources put these
Transaction Cost Economics (TCE), a seminal theory developed by Ronald Coase and later
extended by Oliver E. Williamson, offers valuable insights into the realm of digital
entrepreneurship. TCE posits that organizations make decisions about whether to produce goods
and services internally or externally based on minimizing transaction costs, which encompass the
expenses associated with conducting economic activities in the marketplace (Williamson, 1979).
technologies have significantly reduced the transaction costs traditionally associated with
economic transactions. For example, e-commerce platforms have streamlined the process of
buying and selling goods, eliminating the need for physical storefronts and reducing information
asymmetry between buyers and sellers. Additionally, blockchain technology has introduced
a result, digital entrepreneurs can leverage these advancements to create and scale businesses
with more efficiency and lower operational costs, challenging traditional brick-and-mortar
models.
Argyres (1999) contends that information technology has the capacity to establish a
technical language, decrease the need for extensive information processing, and lower
Creative Destruction Theory, often associated with Joseph Schumpeter (2008), holds
significant relevance in the context of digital entrepreneurship. This theory centers on the idea
that innovation and technological advancements continuously disrupt and reshape existing
players. In essence, it suggests that the process of creative destruction involves the simultaneous
creation of something new and valuable and the destruction or obsolescence of existing products,
model, leverages digital technology to remove intermediaries and enable the migration of value
The Creative Destruction Theory serves as a guiding framework, highlighting the pivotal
capitalizing on them through innovation, and driving the transformation and renewal of
Dynamic Capability Theory pertains to a firm's ability to adapt, reconfigure, and leverage
its resources and capabilities in response to changing environments. In the context of digital
entrepreneurship, dynamic capabilities are crucial for firms to effectively use digital technology
resources. Li et al. (2018) illustrates how firms can orchestrate digital technology resources to
Theoretical Foundations of Digital Entrepreneurship and Digital Accounting (Biscarra, 2023)
7
achieve excess returns, such as by renewing managerial cognition, accessing social capital,
According to Autio et al. (2018), digital startups must possess the ability to flexibly
reconfigure their resources, stay attuned to ever-changing market dynamics, and effectively
mitigate the risks inherent in the digital market in order to successfully navigate and adapt to the
fast-paced digital economic landscape. This assertion underscores the imperative for digital
entrepreneurs to not only possess innovative products or services but also the agility to swiftly
adjust their strategies and resource allocation in response to evolving market conditions, all while
managing the unique challenges and uncertainties that characterize the digital realm.
Network Theory focuses on how entrepreneurs can leverage networks and relationships
in the digital ecosystem. This theory explores the interconnectedness of actors, organizations,
Theory becomes especially pertinent as entrepreneurs often rely on networks to access resources,
knowledge, and support for their ventures. Digital platforms and social media networks have
transformed the way entrepreneurs connect, collaborate, and build relationships, allowing them
to tap into a vast pool of potential partners, investors, mentors, and customers.
Srinivasan and Venkatraman (2018) highlights the role of both resource networks and
module networks. Resource networks help digital entrepreneurs obtain financial and human
capital, while module networks are formed between digital entrepreneurs and digital platforms.
This theory recognizes that digital entrepreneurs need to connect with various actors and adapt to
different types of networks to thrive in the digital economy. Network theory explores how
Theoretical Foundations of Digital Entrepreneurship and Digital Accounting (Biscarra, 2023)
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entrepreneurs can utilize social networks, online communities, and strategic partnerships to access
Numerous technological advancements within the accounting sector have given rise to
electronic platforms for conducting accounting transactions. Consequently, there has been a
profound digital transformation in the functioning of businesses, society, and culture, attributed
fundamentally an information system, has undergone significant changes due to the widespread
practices, technology finds application in areas such as e-business, data input and output
The Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) is a theory that delves into the adoption of
technology in various sectors, including accounting. Developed by Fred Davis and Richard
Bagozzi in 1989, TAM focuses on individuals' acceptance of technology and the factors that
influence it. It serves as a framework for understanding how people perceive and utilize
technology systems. In the context of accounting and other domains, TAM examines human
factors that impact technology acceptance, emphasizing perceived usefulness and ease of use as
key determinants of user attitudes and behavioral intentions. Perceived usefulness refers to users'
beliefs that a technology will enhance their performance, while perceived ease of use relates to
the degree of
Theoretical Foundations of Digital Entrepreneurship and Digital Accounting (Biscarra, 2023)
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effort required to use the technology. These factors, as outlined in the TAM theory, play a crucial
role in shaping individuals' decisions to accept and use new technology (Purmamasari, 2020).
TAM has evolved over time and continues to be a valuable tool for organizations seeking
to assess and enhance technology adoption. Applying the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM)
to digital accounting involves understanding that accounting professionals and organizations will
embrace digital tools if they find them useful and easy to use. Perceived usefulness in digital
accounting means believing that digital tools will improve efficiency and accuracy in financial
processes. Perceived ease of use is crucial, as accounting professionals need user-friendly and
accounting firms and software developers can encourage greater adoption and enhance financial
explores how technology has transformed the field. CSM emphasizes the importance of customer
(Hendalianpour & JafarRazmi, 2017). Within the CSM framework, several key factors come into
play. Customer understanding is paramount, as loyal customers seek businesses that truly
comprehend their needs and values, willing to go the extra mile to meet them. Additionally,
customers often appreciate a diverse range of choices, although too many options can overwhelm
them. Personalization is crucial in CSM, with individualized attention being highly valued by
customers. Service quality plays a pivotal role, and a product is considered to provide good
service if it effectively meets customer needs and expectations (Moradi, A, & Shafiee, 2021).
Theoretical Foundations of Digital Entrepreneurship and Digital Accounting (Biscarra, 2023)
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The concept of the value proposition is another significant aspect elucidated by CSM.
This proposition represents the promise that a business makes to its customers regarding the
value they can expect to derive from its products or services (Barua et al., 2018). Moreover,
word of mouth and past experiences influence customer satisfaction. Positive recommendations
can lead to higher expectations, and past experiences significantly shape customers' requirements
and expectations.
Overall, CSM helps businesses understand the criteria that drive customer satisfaction
and the changes required to meet those criteria effectively. It underscores the significance of
addressing individual customer needs and expectations to ensure a high level of satisfaction,
which, in turn, can lead to increased customer loyalty and positive word of mouth.
Narayanan et al. (2016), delves into the fundamental principles of emerging technologies that
have a profound impact on digital accounting. These theories encompass a range of key
concepts, including decentralized ledgers, consensus algorithms, and digital assets. In the context
of digital accounting, these theories are highly relevant and integral to understanding the
copies of the ledger across a network of nodes, blockchain ensures transparency and
immutability, reducing the risk of fraudulent activities (Tapscott & Tapscott, 2016). This
decentralization aligns with the core principles of accounting, promoting transparency and
Consensus algorithms, such as Proof of Work (PoW) and Proof of Stake (PoS), are
critical components of blockchain systems. They establish mechanisms for validating and
confirming transactions within the network (Narayanan et al., 2016). These algorithms provide
an extra layer of assurance in digital accounting by ensuring that transactions are verified and
agreed upon by network participants before they are added to the ledger (Swan, 2015). This
enhances the reliability and trustworthiness of financial data recorded on the blockchain.
Furthermore, digital assets, including cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, introduce a new class
of financial instruments. These digital assets have intrinsic value and are traded in digital
markets. In the realm of digital accounting, it becomes essential to account for these assets,
understand their valuation, and track their movements accurately (Mougayar, 2016). The
accounting treatment of digital assets raises novel challenges and opportunities, necessitating the
development of accounting standards and practices tailored to this emerging asset class.
comprehending the relevance of these technologies in the field of digital accounting. These
algorithms for trust, and digital assets for financial reporting (Narayanan et al., 2016). By
integrating these theories into digital accounting practices, professionals can harness the benefits
of blockchain and cryptocurrencies while navigating the unique challenges they present in the
Accounting Information Systems (AIS) is a critical and evolving field that serves as the
intersection between accounting theory and information systems. It plays a pivotal role in the
technology to enhance the accounting process, making it more efficient, accurate, and adaptable
The fusion of accounting theory and information systems within AIS is a compelling
synergy. It draws from established accounting principles, such as the Generally Accepted
Accounting Principles (GAAP), to ensure that financial data is recorded, processed, and reported
in compliance with regulatory standards (Romney & Steinbart, 2021). This integration is
essential for maintaining the integrity of financial information and facilitating sound decision-
making.
accounting workflows. It harnesses the power of databases, data analytics, and automation to
capture, store, and process financial data in real-time (Hall, 2019). These digital accounting
systems reduce manual errors, enhance data accuracy, and accelerate the reporting process. In
addition, AIS enables better control and security of financial data, safeguarding against fraud and
Moreover, AIS facilitates the seamless integration of financial information across various
financial health, enabling timely strategic decisions. It also supports the integration of data from
external sources, such as suppliers and customers, into the accounting process, enabling a more
accounting theory with information systems to create robust and efficient digital accounting
systems. This convergence ensures compliance with accounting standards, enhances data
increasingly rely on digital tools to manage their financial information, AIS continues to evolve,
playing a vital role in the modern accounting landscape (Romney & Steinbart, 2021).
The theory of cloud computing and remote work in digital accounting proposes that the
organizations. Cloud computing, characterized by its scalable and on-demand nature, allows for
the storage and processing of financial data on remote servers accessed via the internet
(Armbrust et al., 2010). This technology has reshaped the landscape of accounting by enabling
secure and remote access to financial data, thus facilitating collaborative work among
increasingly popular as they empower accountants and financial professionals to work from
anywhere, breaking down the constraints of physical office locations. This, in turn, contributes to
greater flexibility and resilience in accounting operations, especially in an era where remote
One of the primary benefits of cloud-based accounting systems is the ease with which
multiple users can access and collaborate on financial data in real-time. This has a profound
impact on the efficiency of accounting processes. Team members from different locations can
associated with physical document transfers (Bhatia et al., 2021). Moreover, cloud computing
offers enhanced data security measures, ensuring that sensitive financial information remains
protected even when accessed remotely. Data encryption, multi-factor authentication, and regular
backups are some of the security features integrated into cloud-based systems (Sharma & Sahu,
2020).
quickly adapt to unforeseen challenges such as natural disasters, pandemics, or sudden shifts in
market conditions. The ability to continue accounting operations from any location with an
internet connection enhances business continuity and minimizes disruptions. Additionally, cloud-
based accounting systems often offer scalability options, allowing organizations to adjust
2019).
In conclusion, the theory of cloud computing and remote work in digital accounting
access to financial data and fostering collaboration among dispersed teams, these systems
promote flexibility and resilience in accounting operations. The adoption of cloud technology not
only enhances efficiency and data security but also positions organizations to thrive in an
navigating this digital transformation. In digital entrepreneurship, key theories include Resource-
Theoretical Foundations of Digital Entrepreneurship and Digital Accounting (Biscarra, 2023)
15
Based View, Transaction Cost Economics, Creative Destruction Theory, Dynamic Capability
Theory, and Network Theory, emphasizing resource management, innovation, adaptability, and
networking. Digital accounting relies on theories like Technology Acceptance Model, Customer
and Cloud Computing and Remote Work Theory, focusing on technology adoption, customer
satisfaction, data security, and efficient information systems. To thrive in the digital era,
continuous learning, collaboration, data security, remote work adoption, customer-centricity, and
innovation are recommended strategies for entrepreneurs and accountants alike. Understanding
and applying these theories empowers organizations to harness digital technology's potential for
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