The objective of this thesis is to understand and explain the modes of integration of accounting systems of companies from four cases (two big and two medium-sized enterprises). We relied on the theory of differentiation-integration of Lawrence and Lorsch (1967) to interpret the studied integration situations. This theory shows that companies with very different structures have sophisticated mechanisms for integration while those whose structures are poorly differentiated have rudimentary coordination mechanisms. We have also mobilized the event and multidimensional approach of Sorter (1969) who proposes a theoretical framework for the accountant integration. The ERP is a highly practical application of this approach.Our qualitative analysis of four cases study in terms of similarities and differences, supported on the theory of the differentiation-integration, helped to explain the observed situations of integration of accounting subsystems but also to show the relevance of the event-based approach, as part of system design information structures diversified and differentiated. Our results show, like Lawrence and Lorsch, that there are different modes of integration of accounting systems tailored to different contexts. We have developed a typology consisting of four configurations of accounting systems (four situations integration-differentiation): (1) Conventional two-dimensional system, (2) Quasi-integrated centralized system, (3) Integrated system,(4),Multidimensional,system.Strategy and size appear to be, beyond all other considerations, the main determinants of the accounting, followed, environment and other elements of the context of the accounting system such as the management structure and system management control. However, the impact of the size differs from one company to another. When the size is combined with a strategy of diversification (and by extension to various and dynamic environments) its differentiating effect on the organization (and the accounting system) is very important, requiring developed integration compensatory mechanisms. Both diversified firms (POULINA and MEDDEB) have implemented an integrated accounting system to unify their subsystems differentiated. When the size is the result of a simple development of a single activity (monoactivity) its integrator-differentiator effect on the organization and the accounting system is less important. Companies with activities and homogeneous structures (SONEDE and SME) have been content to a poorly integrated accounting system or two-dimensional.
