Mental Accounting within Balinese Local Wisdom Framework: Interpretive Study of MSME Financial Management Practices
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.24260/aktiva.v4i2.6390Keywords:
Mental Accounting, Balinese Local Wisdom, Financial BehaviorAbstract
Research Purpose: This study aims to understand the practice of mental accounting among Balinese MSME owners in managing business finances, which is influenced by the values of Balinese local wisdom.
Method or Approach: This study employs a qualitative approach using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). Data were collected through in-depth interviews with Balinese MSME owners operating in the fashion and creative business sectors.
Research Findings: The findings reveal four major themes: mental account separation in financial management, spirituality in interpreting money and livelihood, survival strategies under financial pressure, and the influence of Balinese cultural values on financial decision-making. Mental accounting practices are reflected in the separation of business and personal finances, the establishment of specific expenditure categories, and the allocation of funds for cultural and spiritual purposes. Furthermore, experiences of economic hardship shape MSME owners’ financial behavior, making them more cautious in decisions related to borrowing, investment, and business capital management. The findings also indicate that Balinese cultural values, such as Tri Hita Karana, customary obligations, and spiritual activities, influence how MSME owners perceive money, manage financial resources, and determine spending priorities.
Recommendations and Novelty: This study extends mental accounting theory by showing that MSME financial behavior is influenced not only by economic considerations but also by local cultural values and spirituality. The findings enrich behavioral accounting literature in the context of Balinese MSMEs and provide insights for designing culturally based financial literacy and business assistance programs.
Tujuan penelitian: Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk memahami praktik mental accounting pada pelaku UMKM Bali dalam pengelolaan keuangan usaha yang dipengaruhi oleh nilai-nilai kearifan lokal Bali.
Metode atau pendekatan: Penelitian ini menggunakan pendekatan kualitatif dengan metode Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). Data diperoleh melalui wawancara mendalam terhadap pelaku UMKM Bali yang bergerak di bidang fashion dan usaha kreatif.
Temuan penelitian: Hasil penelitian menunjukkan empat tema utama, yaitu pemisahan akun mental dalam pengelolaan keuangan, spiritualitas dalam memaknai uang dan rezeki, strategi bertahan dalam tekanan finansial, serta nilai budaya Bali dalam pengambilan keputusan keuangan. Praktik mental accounting tercermin melalui pemisahan uang usaha dan uang pribadi, pembentukan pos-pos pengeluaran tertentu, serta pengalokasian dana untuk kebutuhan adat dan spiritual. Selain itu, pengalaman menghadapi tekanan ekonomi membentuk perilaku finansial pelaku UMKM menjadi lebih berhati-hati dalam mengambil keputusan terkait pinjaman, investasi, dan pengelolaan modal usaha. Temuan penelitian juga menunjukkan bahwa nilai-nilai budaya Bali, seperti Tri Hita Karana, kewajiban adat, dan aktivitas spiritual, turut memengaruhi cara pelaku UMKM memaknai uang, mengelola sumber daya keuangan, serta menentukan prioritas pengeluaran.
Kontribusi dan Kebaruan: Penelitian ini memberikan kontribusi pada pengembangan teori mental accounting dengan menunjukkan bahwa perilaku keuangan UMKM tidak hanya dipengaruhi oleh aspek ekonomi dan psikologis, tetapi juga oleh nilai budaya dan spiritualitas yang terinternalisasi dalam kehidupan pelaku usaha. Temuan ini memperkaya kajian akuntansi keperilakuan dalam konteks budaya lokal serta memberikan implikasi praktis bagi pengembangan program literasi dan pendampingan keuangan UMKM yang lebih kontekstual dan berbasis kearifan local.
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