Management accounting practices and efficiency in a Colombian multi-utility conglomerate

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine how a state-owned Colombian multi-utility conglomerate (CMC) has used management accounting practices (MAPs) shape efficiency. authors bring out the interplay between structures and agency in process shaping efficiency, which enabled company operate as private enterprise, taking advantage NPM-led reforms technologies. Design/methodology/approach This an interpretative case study CMC. Data for are derived from interviews, non-participative observations document analysis. Giddens' structuration theory (ST) provides theoretical approach study. Findings Results show that MAPs have shaped efficiency CMC, promoting profitability criteria prevailing enterprises. Theoretically, shows structure embedded emerging economy context through MAPs. It does by analysing both broader influence School Mines multilateral development banks micro-situated employees at who worked long periods time transformed into corporate value influences their day-to-day practices. Originality/value adds literature draws on ST illustrating paradigmatic case, agents brought knowledge values company, changed its ethos whilst remaining under state control.