Exploring inclusion, exclusion and ethnicities in the institutional structures of UK accountancy

Purpose – This paper seeks to explore the ways in which discrimination is exercised institutionally. The paper takes as its focus the UK institutional structures of accountancy. Design/methodology/approach – The paper uses a conceptual framework which explores the connections between institutional structures of UK accountancy and the rich experiences of individuals. Findings – The narrative themes clearly illustrate the intersection of gender, ethnicity and identity across the institutional structures. Varying degrees of inclusion and exclusion are visible in the accountancy workplace. Research limitations/implications – The oral history approach has its inherent limitations and many of the respondents were “snowball” contacts rather than drawn from a large randomly chosen selection. Practical implications – This paper prioritises individual experience of unfair discrimination. Although research in this area of accountancy is emergent, it argues that the voice of the individual needs to be listened to by the institutions which form UK accountancy in order to facilitate equality and diversity. Originality/value – The value of this study rests with the illumination of accountancy experiences which otherwise may have been silenced by the institutional structures of accountancy.