From time to time in the academic accounting domain there is a tendency to forget that accounting is not a stand-alone discipline. Phil Knight's book, Shoe Dog: A Memoir by the Creator of Nike (hereafter, Shoe Dog), is a refreshing reminder that accounting does not exist in a vacuum, but rather is one among many players in the symphony of commerce. Shoe Dog is also particularly relevant and relatable, because the author and founder of this iconic global shoe and sportswear company (and one of the world's most successful businesspersons), has a background in both public accounting and tertiary accounting education. Whether Nike's success is “because of” or “despite” Knight's accounting background, I leave to each reader to assess.
For consumers of business books, Shoe Dog provides an annotated chronology of the founding and development of one of the world's most valuable business brands. Accounting academics reading Knight's memoir...
