How to perform in the field of accounting research? The case of Romania

Universities, departments and academics are in quest for performance. Measuring performance means establishing and applying a ranking system which is usually finalised with a hierarchy. We endeavoured in this context to a study of the extant situation characterising the performance of the Romania-based accounting academic. Several data sources and the impact of several factors have been examined. We mainly find that performativity, commodification, alienation, and prison are valid metaphors describing the current state of the art of research and publication by Romania-based authors in accounting. A suggestion in line with Marcuse (1969) of 'not finding happiness in the Establishment' is made in this paper so as to escape this continual circle of short-termism in scholarly accounting activities in Romania.