Factors of application of activity-based costing method: Evidence from a transitional country

This study examines the factors in the application of the activity-based costing (ABC) method in firms in a transitional country. The study adopts a quantitative approach by developing a Logit regression model. The study tests the model in a sample of 71 publicly-listed Vietnamese pharmaceutical companies in 2017 when Resolution Number 10, issued by the Central Political Party of Vietnam, took place. The primary data was collected from a company survey. The study finds that indirect cost proportion, competition pressure in price and quality, and product diversification significantly affect a firm's decision of whether to implement the ABC method. In Vietnam, most of the pharmaceutical companies are state-owned. Consequently, the use of a research context whereby the market economy is combined with state regulation to test the hypothesized factors is of value. Our findings have implications for managerial practice and public policy.