Budget behaviour and cultural contingencies: case study in a Tunisian company

Abstract

Abstract Background Budgetary participation has a positive impact on a variety of emotional and behavioural responses. However, the review of empirical studies conducted in Tunisia reveals a low participation rate among operating managers in the budget control systems of their companies. Research aims The purpose of this study is to understand, from a contingency perspective, the practices of budgetary participation in Tunisian companies. It aims to explore forms of budgetary participation practised by Tunisian companies and examine to what extent Tunisian cultural variables explain these budgetary behaviours. Methodology A qualitative methodology based on a single case study was used. The data collected were the subject of a thematic content analysis. Findings The results show that the Tunisian companies have serious difficulties engaging in budgetary participation. Several factors hinder the implementation and operation of this budgetary practice. The primary factors include personality variables that, although interact with cultural values rooted in Tunisian society, create a psychological inconsistency between the ideal environment for the development and success of a participative approach and the environment of the Tunisian company.