Pissing down your leg

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is a reflection on how the aridity of economic speeches, lectures and presentations usually conceals an underlying human drama, often a tragedy.

Design/methodology/approach

A fictional poem presents the reflections.

Findings

Meditation on how economic policies cannot be divorced from their social context despite their often bland and “distancing” forms of expression.

Research limitations/implications

The paper stimulates thought on the economic and social consequences of decisions, including those individuals with whom we are in direct contact.

Originality/value

The poem is an individual comment on the “realities” behind economic decisions and how ignorance or considerations of personal safety constitute weak moral defences.

Citation

Oakman, B.N. (2010), "Pissing down your leg", Accounting, Auditing & Accountability Journal, Vol. 23 No. 6, pp. 817-818. https://doi.org/10.1108/09513571011065907