Accounting and Economic Inclusion: Transparency, Innovation, and Social Impact in Marginalized Communities

Vedrana Stermasi ()
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Vedrana Stermasi: University of Dubrovnik

Chapter 10 in Accounting and Accountability for Social Inclusion, 2026, pp 177-189 from Springer

Abstract: Abstract This chapter examines how accounting procedures can enhance the distribution of resources to underserved communities that have historically been shut out of the financial system, thereby promoting economic inclusion. Achieving sustainable development requires transparent and efficient resource management, especially in the context of global issues like unemployment, social exclusion, and poverty. It further explores how accounting can serve as a mechanism for tracking financial support and improving transparency in initiatives that aim to support communities facing systematic exclusion and inequality. Examples will be drawn from initiatives such as microcredit programs, small business development, and employment training in disadvantaged areas. The chapter emphasizes the importance of clear performance reporting and institutional responsibility for the outcomes of such initiatives. Accounting helps identify how resources are used, which strategies yield the most impact, and how they affect the lives of marginalized populations. This approach enables organizations to demonstrate responsibility toward stakeholders while pursuing the goals of poverty reduction and long-term social development. Accounting plays an important role in promoting both economic inclusion and social justice, not only as a financial management tool but also as a way to support fairer decision-making. By improving transparency and data accessibility, accounting can empower communities to better understand and influence how resources are used. The chapter argues that long-term growth and sustainability in marginalized communities depend on transparent and accountable resource management practices.

Keywords: Accounting; Economic inclusion; Financial inclusion; Marginalized communities; Transparency; Accountability; Sustainable development; Social impact; Microfinance; Microcredit; Digital banking; Blockchain; Artificial Intelligence (AI); Big data analytics; Social Return on Investment (SROI); Global Reporting Initiative (GRI); Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD); Poverty reduction; Financial literacy; Social justice; Resource allocation; Impact investing; Gender equality; Financial technology; Innovation; Mobile banking; Community empowerment; Visibility; Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2026
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:spr:csrchp:978-3-032-09271-7_10

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DOI: 10.1007/978-3-032-09271-7_10

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