...Chapter 7 - Positive Theory Positive Accounting Theory Philosophy of PAT Million Friedman championed positive theories in economics. He stated that: (part 3 Empirical Research in Accounts of Accounting theory from Jayne Godfrey) The ultimate goal of positive science (i.e. INDUCTIVE) is • The development of a ‘theory ‘ or ‘hypothesis’; • that yields valid and meaningful “Predictions’ • about phenomena not yet “observed”. Consistent with Friedman’s view, Watts and Zimmerman asserts that: The objective of “positive accounting theory” is to “explain” and “predict” accounting practice. • “Explanation” means providing reasons for observed practice. For example, positive accounting theory seeks to explain why firms continue to use historical cost accounting and why certain firms switch between a numbers of accounting techniques. • “Prediction” of accounting practice means that the theory predicts “unobserved phenomena”. Watts and Zimmerman start their book with a fundamental statement of The Role of Theory (Chapter 1).They asserts that the objective of positive accounting theory is to explain and predict accounting practice,(p.2) “Unobserved phenomena” are not necessarily future phenomena; they include phenomena that have occurred, but on which systematic evidence has not been collected. For example – Predicting the reaction of firms to a proposed accounting standard and an explanation of why firms would lobby for and against...
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...Chapter 7 - Positive Theory Positive Accounting Theory Philosophy of PAT Million Friedman championed positive theories in economics. He stated that: (part 3 Empirical Research in Accounts of Accounting theory from Jayne Godfrey) The ultimate goal of positive science (i.e. INDUCTIVE) is • The development of a ‘theory ‘ or ‘hypothesis’; • that yields valid and meaningful “Predictions’ • about phenomena not yet “observed”. Consistent with Friedman’s view, Watts and Zimmerman asserts that: The objective of “positive accounting theory” is to “explain” and “predict” accounting practice. • “Explanation” means providing reasons for observed practice. For example, positive accounting theory seeks to explain why firms continue to use historical cost accounting and why certain firms switch between a numbers of accounting techniques. • “Prediction” of accounting practice means that the theory predicts “unobserved phenomena”. “Unobserved phenomena” are not necessarily future phenomena; they include phenomena that have occurred, but on which systematic evidence has not been collected. For example – Predicting the reaction of firms to a proposed accounting standard and an explanation of why firms would lobby for and against such a standard, even though the standard has already been released. Testing these theories provides evidence that can be used to predict the impact of accounting regulations before they are implemented. PAT has an...
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...Chapter 7 - Positive Theory Positive Accounting Theory Philosophy of PAT Million Friedman championed positive theories in economics. He stated that: (part 3 Empirical Research in Accounts of Accounting theory from Jayne Godfrey) The ultimate goal of positive science (i.e. INDUCTIVE) is • The development of a ‘theory ‘ or ‘hypothesis’; • that yields valid and meaningful “Predictions’ • about phenomena not yet “observed”. Consistent with Friedman’s view, Watts and Zimmerman asserts that: The objective of “positive accounting theory” is to “explain” and “predict” accounting practice. • “Explanation” means providing reasons for observed practice. For example, positive accounting theory seeks to explain why firms continue to use historical cost accounting and why certain firms switch between a numbers of accounting techniques. • “Prediction” of accounting practice means that the theory predicts “unobserved phenomena”. “Unobserved phenomena” are not necessarily future phenomena; they include phenomena that have occurred, but on which systematic evidence has not been collected. For example – Predicting the reaction of firms to a proposed accounting standard and an explanation of why firms would lobby for and against such a standard, even though the standard has already been released. Testing these theories provides evidence that can be used to predict the impact of accounting regulations before they are implemented. PAT has an economic focus and seeks to...
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...FORMULATION OF ACCOUNTING THEORY: PURPOSE AND APPROACHES A TERM PAPER (2) ON ADVANCED ACCOUNTING THEORY (ACC 821) PRESENTED BY EKERIA, Victor IKYUME, Chiahemba James OGBOLE, Philip Osemudiamen SUBMITTED TO PROFESSOR A.E. OKOYE DEPARTMENT OF ACCOUNTING COLLEGE OF BUSINESS AND MANAGEMEN SUDIES IGBINEDION UNIVERSITY, OKADA MARCH, 2015 Abstract As tasks of accounting became more difficult and focus shifted to users’ needs, a theory became necessary. Existence of a need for information for decision making (decision usefulness) in face of information asymmetry led to development of means, tools and techniques for satisfying decision making needs (formulation of accounting theories) This paper briefly discusses the purpose/importance for accounting theory and various approaches to the formulation of an accounting theory under two headings, namely: (1) traditional approaches, and (2) new approaches. The paper finally highlights the critiques of the accounting theory approaches Table of Content 1.0.0. Introduction……………………………………………………………………………… 1 2.0.0. Meaning of Accounting Theory………………………………………………………… 2 2.1.0. Needs and Purpose for Accounting Theory…………………………………………….. 3 3.0.0. Early Attempts at Accounting Theory……………………………………………………...3 4.0.0. Approaches to the for Formulation of Accounting Theory……………………………….5 4.1.0. 4.1.0. The Traditional Approaches………………………………………………………..5 4.1.1. Non – Theoretical, Practical, or Pragmatic (Informal) Approaches……...
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...Management Accounting Li-qun Pang Department of accounting, Jilin Business and Technology College 130062, Changchun, China pangliqun1965@126.com Abstract. In order to solve the apparent lack of standardization problem of management accounting theory, because this problem is not only restricted the management accounting application and promotion in China's enterprises, but also hindered their own theory the depth development and research efficiency. This paper describes the standardization of management accounting principles, this paper discusses the basic theory that the standardization of management accounting, Analysis of building management accounting theoretical framework the various elements and the logical relationship between them, and select the appropriate logical starting point as a starting point to build the foundation of management accounting theoretical framework. Keywords: management accounting, standardization, basic principles, basic theoretical system, theoretical framework. 1 Introduction Management accounting as one of the two branches of modern accounting, after decades of development, both in theory and practice have made some development, its important role of business management has gradually been of concern to the community, and follow-up is considered the accounting industry development. But in general, Management accounting in China there are still many problems, as opposed to the development of more sophisticated financial accounting, management...
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...Accounting Theory Learning Objectives Definition of theory and accounting theory The needs, purposes & benefits of AT Inductive & deductive approach to construct theory Descriptive, decision usefulness & welfare approaches to the construction of AT Structure of AT Relationship between AT & AP 1 Accounting Theory Defined as: A set of broad principles that provides a general frame of reference by which accounting practice can be evaluated and guides development of new practices and procedures. (Hendrickson, 1982) or A cohesive set of conceptual, hypothetical and pragmatic propositions explaining and guiding the accountant’s action in identifying, measuring and communicating economic information. 2 Nature and Purpose of Theory Theory can be defined as a set of general propositions, used as principles of explanation of the apparent relationship among certain observed phenomena, events or things. Proposition – statements concerned with the relationship among concepts. Concepts – generalized idea or expression in words about events observed in the real world. Theory is used as basis of explanation with regard to how/why certain phenomena happens the way they do. Explanation as well as prediction offers by theory is important as it enhance our understanding of the phenomena that exist in reality Generally theory is sometimes said to deal with the creation of scheme of ideas which provide definition of the problem observed and the understanding of it. 3 Needs and Importance of...
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...Development Of A Conceptual Framework Accounting Essay ‘Developing a conceptual framework is an impossible possibility ‘it is hard to say that this statement is wrong or not. First, there is no accurate or definitive view of what constitutes a conceptual framework, but there is no doubt that conceptual framework helping a development of academic theory, meanwhile, it is also provide a great deal of prescription. Developing a conceptual framework is feasible and promising. In this issue, I explain what is the conceptual framework? Who needs them? And list the importance of conceptual framework to financial report prove my view. NEED FOR A CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK Why do we need to develop a conceptual framework? Of course, it is be useful, the body of concepts should to make rules and relate to financial report; a soundly developed conceptual framework enables the IASB to issue more useful and consistent pronouncements over time. It means a coherent standard should result. So, if framework have no a soundly development, the guidance by it will influent standard-setting based on individual concepts. In other words, standard-setting cannot base on personal conceptual frameworks; it will lead to wrong conclusions about identical or similar issues than it did previously. As a result, past decisions is not treat as future ones, standards cannot be consistent with one another. Furthermore, the conceptual framework should be paying attention to users’ understanding about financial reporting...
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...1. Different accounting theories will provide alternative explanations about why an entity might decide to report social and environmental information. Positive accounting theory tries to make good prediction of real world events and translate them to accounting transactions, while normative theories tend to recommend what should be done. Positive theories try to explain and predict actions such as which accounting policies firms will choose and how firms will react to newly proposed accounting standards. Its overall intention is to understand and predict the choice of accounting policies across differing firms; it recognizes that economic consequences exist（ Colignon, R. and M. Covaleski. 1991）.Under PAT firms want to maximize their prospects for survival, so they organize themselves efficiently. Firms are viewed as the accumulation of the contracts they have entered into. In relation to PAT, because there is a need to be efficient, the firm will want to minimize costs associated with contracts. Examples of contract costs are negotiation, renegotiation and monitoring costs; contract costs involve accounting variables as contracts can be stipulated in terms of accounting information such as net income and financial ratios. The firm will choose the accounting policies that best acknowledge the need for minimization of contract costs （Danos, P. 1977）. PAT recognizes that changing circumstances require managers to have flexibility in choosing accounting policies. This bring forward...
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...Public Sector Accounting............................................................ 1 16 September 2014 ii ProQuest 第 1 个文档，共 1 个 Elements of a Theoretical Framework for Public Sector Accounting ProQuest 文档链接 摘要: The development of a concept of community assets (used to describe government-managed assets of an infrastructural, cultural, or environmental nature) can contribute to the development of a new theoretical framework for public sector accounting and potentially for private sector accounting as well. An important feature of this framework is that recognition of assets based on common property alongside private property lends greater visibility to the communitarian perspective, with its emphasis on shared values and common life, and to social as well as technical concerns. In addition, by distinguishing what management can control from what they cannot control, a concept of community assets as distinct from ordinary fixed assets could permit a fairer system of accountability and clarify the controversial issues of depreciation in the public sector. 链接: Check local library holdings 全文文献: Despite the ancient origins of governmental accounting (Normanton, 1966; Chatfield, 1974) and the size and significance of governmental activity in modern times, the subject was, until recently, ignored by academics and practitioners alike. After a period of unwarranted neglect (see Perrin, 1981), the 1980s witnessed an upsurge of interest in public sector accounting. Its theoretical...
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...The role of positive accounting theory. PAT has been the most significant accounting research agendas during the past four decades (Kabir). Before the arrival of PAT, normative accounting research had been the leading research tradition in accounting. Normative accounting theorists concentrated in developing accounting principles for recognition and measurement issues. In contrast with normative accounting theory which deals with “should” kind questions, PAT deals with “is” kind questions. According to Watts and Zimmerman “the objective of positive accounting theory is to explain and predict accounting practice. It explains why financial reports are prepared. Positive accounting theorists have explained the accounting practices by including the measures accountants employ to calculate total assets, total liabilities, owners' equity and net income. Moreover, they also claim that positive accounting theory provides a scientific explanations of accounting practice that is that their findings are empirically test. PAT also examines the effects of accounting standards on management’s self-interest hence PAT recognizes management biased attitude on accounting standards which are likely to affect corporates lobbying on accounting standards. Pat also identifies certain factors that are expected to affect a firms cash flows and share price .These factors are taxes, political costs and information production and management compensation. PAT theoretically played its role in examining...
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...Public interest theory seeks to establish a method of understanding the interests of public groups based on a number of assumptions. Typically actions that are deemed in the public interest generally occur when governments seek to intervene in situations where market failure occurs. Market failure may arise due to monopolies, barriers to entry for new businesses, and information gaps. Public interest theory makes three assumptions. First, interest of consumers is translated into legislative action through operation of the internal marketplace. Secondly, agents will seek regulation on behalf of public interest. The third assumption being that government has no independent role to play in the development of regulation. In 2002 the Sarbanes-Oxley Act was created in America to enforce greater regulation and compliance for financial reporting and corporate governance. This Act was created in response to corporate scandals involving larger companies like Enron and Tyco International, and thus public interest theory suggests the government’s response was as a result of market failure due to inaccurate auditing and accounting procedures. The premise of private interest theory is that governmental bodies and political leaders use their power to coerce businesses through taxation, regulation, and subsidies. The Basic assertion of privation interest theory is the law of diminishing returns which exists between group size, and costs of using political process. A second assumption is government...
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...Accounting theory and conceptual frameworks After studying this chapter you should be able to: & explain what accounting theory is & describe the main attempts at constructing an accounting theory & appraise current developments in the area & describe and discuss the contents of the IASB Framework & appraise the quality and usefulness of the IASB Framework in the context of its self-declared purposes & describe and discuss the parts of IAS 1 relating to accounting concepts and policies & appraise the overall effect of the Framework and comparable parts of IAS 1. Introduction This chapter is about to deal with something that many people believe does not exist – a single generally accepted accounting theory. There is no generally accepted accounting theory at this time even though many attempts have been made to formulate one. According to Eldon S. Hendriksen in Accounting Theory (1977), Theory as it applies to accounting is the coherent set of hypothetical, conceptual and pragmatic principles forming the general frame of reference for a field of inquiry. Thus accounting theory may be defined as logical reasoning in the form of a set of broad principles that 1 Provide a general frame of reference by which accounting practices can be evaluated and 2 Guide the development of new practices and procedures. Accounting theory may also be used to explain existing practices to obtain a better understanding of them. But the most important goal of accounting theory should be to provide...
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...8 Accounting theory and conceptual frameworks After studying this chapter you should be able to: & explain what accounting theory is & describe the main attempts at constructing an accounting theory & appraise current developments in the area & describe and discuss the contents of the IASB Framework & appraise the quality and usefulness of the IASB Framework in the context of its self-declared purposes & describe and discuss the parts of IAS 1 relating to accounting concepts and policies & appraise the overall effect of the Framework and comparable parts of IAS 1. Introduction This chapter is about to deal with something that many people believe does not exist – a single generally accepted accounting theory. There is no generally accepted accounting theory at this time even though many attempts have been made to formulate one. According to Eldon S. Hendriksen in Accounting Theory (1977), Theory as it applies to accounting is the coherent set of hypothetical, conceptual and pragmatic principles forming the general frame of reference for a field of inquiry. Thus accounting theory may be defined as logical reasoning in the form of a set of broad principles that 1 Provide a general frame of reference by which accounting practices can be evaluated and 2 Guide the development of new practices and procedures. Accounting theory may also be used to explain existing practices to obtain a better understanding of them. But the most important goal of accounting theory should be to provide...
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...8 Accounting theory and conceptual frameworks After studying this chapter you should be able to: & explain what accounting theory is & describe the main attempts at constructing an accounting theory & appraise current developments in the area & describe and discuss the contents of the IASB Framework & appraise the quality and usefulness of the IASB Framework in the context of its self-declared purposes & describe and discuss the parts of IAS 1 relating to accounting concepts and policies & appraise the overall effect of the Framework and comparable parts of IAS 1. Introduction This chapter is about to deal with something that many people believe does not exist – a single generally accepted accounting theory. There is no generally accepted accounting theory at this time even though many attempts have been made to formulate one. According to Eldon S. Hendriksen in Accounting Theory (1977), Theory as it applies to accounting is the coherent set of hypothetical, conceptual and pragmatic principles forming the general frame of reference for a field of inquiry. Thus accounting theory may be defined as logical reasoning in the form of a set of broad principles that 1 Provide a general frame of reference by which accounting practices can be evaluated and 2 Guide the development of new practices and procedures. Accounting theory may also be used to explain existing practices to obtain a better understanding of them. But the most important goal of accounting theory should be to provide a...
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...Introduction Accounting theory is aiming to provide a coherent set of conceptual principles which form the general frame of reference for the explanation and development of facts of the accounting practices. There is no universally accepted single theory of accounting since there are so many different perspectives on the role of accounting theory. Also, a researcher’s own experience and value can effect which theory they support. This paper is mainly focus on the positive accounting theory and normative accounting theory. Positive accounting theory is introduced by accountants, which seeks to explain and make good predictions of real world phenomena then translate them to accounting practice, rather than prescribing such practice. For example, which particular accounting policies are likely to be adopted by a firm; or how a firm will react to the recently introduced accounting standards. This theory is based on the proposition that individuals (e.g. managers, shareholders and regulators) are rational and that they are motivated to maximize their own benefits, so they organize themselves efficiently. However, the limitation is people tend to lose the notions of morality and ethics. Positive accounting theory is also help to explain the relationships between individuals and the role accounting play in such relationships, like agency relationship. The agency relationship describes the relationship between the principals (e.g. shareholders) and agents (e.g. managers). Rely on the...
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