Underlying principles of the electronization of business: A research agenda

This paper discusses the underlying principles of the electronization of business and its impact on accounting information systems (AIS). The concept of electronization of business processes and the consequent deconstruction of the value chain in the new economy is introduced. A bitable society requires an entirely new set of processes and players, where traditional companies will either perish or incorporate substantive changes in the way they conduct business. The general effects of electronization of business lead to the introduction of 8 emerging business issues and 13 research opportunities. The paper concludes that the phenomenon of electronization is a heterogeneous one, with firms and industries developing features at different paces. This heterogeneity presents yet another challenge to developing new and relevant accounting standards that drive the processes found in state-of-the-art systems.