DR SCOTT'S CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK

1993 ◽  
Vol 20 (2) ◽  
pp. 95-117 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carol Lawrence ◽  
Jenice P. Stewart
Keyword(s):  
Conceptual Framework ◽  
Social Economic ◽  
Subsequent Development ◽  
Standard Setting ◽  
Educational Background ◽  
Financial Accounting ◽  
Accounting Standard ◽  
The Social ◽  
Accounting Theory ◽  
Accounting Standard Setting

The objective of this study is to trace the influence of DR1 Scott's writings on the development of accounting theory and standard setting. Scott's deductive approach to the development of a conceptual framework for financial accounting and reporting was adopted by accountants on a piecemeal basis from the 1930s to the 1970s. This study traces authoritative pronouncements from the 1930s to provide evidence on Scott's forward looking ability and the influence of his ideas on the subsequent development of accounting theory. The social, economic, and political environment of the 1930s is described to show why a change in accounting standard setting was needed. The authors show that Scott envisioned the function of accounting as extending beyond mere recordkeeping, to include control of organizations relative to their cultural environment. Further, Scott's broad educational background is presented to show the breadth of Scott's ability to see accounting issues beyond bookkeeping issues. The findings show that Scott [1941] was among the first to develop a theoretical, deductive, normative framework to serve as the basis for accounting principles.

Articulating accounting principles

2016 ◽  
Vol 17 (2) ◽  
pp. 118-135 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brian A. Rutherford
Keyword(s):  
Financial Reporting ◽  
Standard Setting ◽  
Financial Accounting ◽  
Accounting Standard ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Accounting Research ◽  
Accounting Principles ◽  
Accounting Theory ◽  
Social Scientific ◽  
Accounting Standard Setting

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide a soundly based epistemological underpinning for the kind of theorisation in which many classical financial accounting researchers engaged and thus to support a renewal of this programme. Design/methodology/approach – The paper draws on pragmatist philosophy and, in particular, on Jules Coleman’s theory of “explanation by embodiment”. The applicability of this theory to the world of financial reporting is discussed. Various theorists and schools within classical accounting theory are examined from the perspective of Coleman’s ideas, focusing particularly on A.C. Littleton’s Structure of Accounting Theory. Findings – The paper finds that classical accounting research works such as Structure of Accounting Theory can be interpreted as the search for Colemanian explanation by embodiment and that this provides them with a soundly based pragmatist underpinning for their theorisation. Research limitations/implications – This paper supports the resumption by academics, qua academics, of work to contribute to accounting standard-setting by offering argumentation that addresses accounting principles and methods directly, rather than only via the social scientific investigation of behaviour in the accounting arena. Practical implications – Such a resumption would contribute positively to future standard-setting. Originality/value – This paper contributes to the defence of classical financial accounting research from the charge of lacking theoretical rigour.

The Accounting Standard-Setting Due Process, Corporate Consensus, and FASB Responsiveness: Employers' Accounting for Pensions

1995 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 555-564 ◽  
Author(s):  
Georgia R. Saemann
Keyword(s):  
Conceptual Framework ◽  
Due Process ◽  
Accounting Standards ◽  
Standard Setting ◽  
Financial Accounting ◽  
Financial Accounting Standards Board ◽  
Accounting Standard ◽  
Accounting Standard Setting

The Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) uses a due process to ascertain the views of its constituents and to build consensus while setting standards based on a sound conceptual framework. This study examines the responsiveness of the FASB and its success in building consensus among corporations in the due process on Employers' Accounting for Pensions. The findings indicate that the FASB is influenced by the number of opposing comments filed by its corporate constituents. Further, there is evidence that consensus was built throughout the due process for the highly controversial standard.

The Determinants and Consequences of Big 4 Lobbying Positions on Proposed Financial Accounting Standards

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brian R. Monsen
Keyword(s):  
Accounting Standards ◽  
Standard Setting ◽  
Financial Accounting ◽  
Financial Statement ◽  
Accounting Standard ◽  
Accounting Firms ◽  
Big 4 ◽  
Textual Features ◽  
Comment Letters ◽  
Accounting Standard Setting

Despite the considerable participation of Big 4 accounting firms in accounting standard setting, there is no systematic evidence on what factors shape Big 4 support or opposition toward proposed accounting standards or whether their lobbying positions materially influence standards. Using textual features of Big 4 comment letters on FASB proposals, I find that Big 4 firms' lobbying positions reflect profit motives through support for standards that will generate more fees or are supported by their clients. Big 4 lobbying support is concentrated in proposals exhibiting both characteristics, with some evidence suggesting client agreement dominates fee-generating incentives. Big 4 lobbying positions are significantly associated with standard setting outcomes, both in isolation and relative to other FASB constituents, including financial statement users. Although I primarily focus on Big 4 accounting firms, results indicate the tone of comment letters submitted by users is unassociated with the standard setting outcomes measured in this study.

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