Bridging Formal Accounting and Community Realities: An Anthropological Study of Social Capital and Non-Monetary Assets

Abstract: This study explores how accounting students at the Catholic University of Rwanda (CUR) engage with non-monetary resources in cooperative settings, emphasizing the role of social capital and communal value in shaping accounting perceptions and practices. The objective is to assess how students recognize and evaluate intangible resources such as trust, reciprocity, and solidarity within local cooperatives. The hypothesis proposes that students trained in conventional monetary-focused accounting frameworks undervalue social capital in economic reporting. Using a mixed-methods approach, data were collected from a stratified random sample of 42 students out of a total population of 185. Research tools included structured questionnaires, focus group discussions, and participant observation. Findings show that 78.6% of respondents recognize the importance of social relationships in the functioning of cooperatives, while only 26.2% believe such non-monetary elements should be included in formal accounting reports. Furthermore, 61.9% expressed interest in alternative tools such as social audits, while 52.4% supported the integration of participatory budgeting in cooperative finance. Notably, 83.3% agreed that accounting education should include ethical and social dimensions that reflect communal realities. The results reveal a significant gap between accounting training and the socio-economic context of Rwandan cooperatives. The study concludes that integrating culturally sensitive and ethical approaches into accounting education is essential for preparing socially responsible professionals. This shift would allow financial reporting to reflect both tangible and intangible contributions, fostering inclusive development and enhancing the sustainability of cooperative models.