Dialogic accounting through popular reporting and digital platforms

Purpose – The purpose of this study is to explore the usefulness of popular reporting (PR) in an Italian cityas a dialogic accounting tool for promoting citizens’ engagement with digital platforms. This study aims tocontribute to the debate on democratic accounting technologies with a focus on PR and digital platforms,using the theoretical lens of dialogic accounting.

Design/methodology/approach – A longitudinal case study is used to analyse the implementation andevolution of PR in the city of Turin, Italy and explore how the city involved its citizens with digital platforms.

Findings – This study contributes to the debate on public accountability through dialogic accounting tools.

Research limitations/implications – Multiple sources (surveys, interviews and interventionistworkshops) are used to analyse Turin, Italy as a longitudinal case study.

Practical implications – This study offers practical reflections for legislators, politicians and publicmanagers who need new knowledge and empirical analysis of the effective implementation of the PR as a toolfor dialogue and empowering public accounting to hold continuous dialogue with the citizens.

Originality/value – PR can be considered a useful dialogic accounting tool for politicians, managers andgovernment experts to encourage citizens’ engagement in a pluralistic society.