...Synopsis Positive accounting theory is perceived as a hypothetical study in accounting which helps in clarifying and foreseeing tangible accounting procedures. These theories have a tendency to rationalize why a number of accounting practices are accepted than others. Positive accounting theory was introduced to better apprehend exactly how practices in accounting must be effectively managed. Introduction Modern positive accounting research began flourishing in the 1960’s and other introduce empirical finance method to financial accounting. The subsequent literature adopted the assumption that accounting number supply information for security market investment decision and used the information perspective to investigate the relation between accounting number and stack prices. The information perspective has taught us much about the market’s use of accounting numbers. It was structured as an educational thought of discipline by the efforts of Ross Watts and Jerold Zimmerman which when made known were received with extensive criticism. Summary of the Article Positive accounting can be related with the predetermined opinion of a firm. A firm is regarded as a conception initiative put forth by a number of economists and legal commentators which stresses that corporations are nothing more than a compilation of agreements concerning different parties – mostly shareholders, directors, employees, suppliers, customers and accounting – one tool to expedite the materialization...
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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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...The Positive Theory of Accounting Outline In the text, Scott defines Positive accounting theory (PAT) as: “concerned with predicting such actions as the choices of accounting policies by firms and how firms will respond to proposed new accounting standards.” (263) PAT uses theory to predict the choices that management will make regarding their choice of accounting policies. This theory is introduced as a way to merge efficient securities markets with economic consequences. PAT takes the view that firms will conduct themselves in the way that maximizes their own best interests. Managers do not always do what is best for shareholders, but what will be the most beneficial to their organization. The choices that an organization makes are dependent on what industry they are in, and the factors within that industry An organization can be portrayed by the contracts it enters into. A firm’s contracts with employees, suppliers, lenders, and shareholders are central to its operations. The organization is inclined to keep these contract costs as low as possible. PAT emphasizes that an organization’s choice of accounting policies is motivated by keeping contract costs down. PAT does not propose that organizations completely identify what accounting policies they will use. Such specification is costly to commit to, and does not give management the opportunity to respond to unforeseen circumstances. Managers have flexibility to choose from a set of accounting policies, and...
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...Financial Accounting Theory Chapter 8 – Summary The Positive Theory of Accounting 1. Outline In the text, Scott defines Positive accounting theory (PAT) as: “concerned with predicting such actions as the choices of accounting policies by firms and how firms will respond to proposed new accounting standards.” (263) PAT uses theory to predict the choices that management will make regarding their choice of accounting policies. This theory is introduced as a way to merge efficient securities markets with economic consequences. PAT takes the view that firms will conduct themselves in the way that maximizes their own best interests. Managers do not always do what is best for shareholders, but what will be the most beneficial to their organization. The choices that an organization makes are dependant on what industry they are in, and the factors within that industry. An organization can be portrayed by the contracts it enters into. A firm’s contracts with employees, suppliers, lenders, and shareholders are central to its operations. The organization is inclined to keep these contract costs as low as possible. PAT emphasizes that an organization’s choice of accounting policies is motivated by keeping contract costs down. PAT does not propose that organizations completely identify what accounting policies they will use. Such specification is costly to commit to, and does not give management the opportunity to respond to unforeseen circumstances. ...
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...Financial Accounting Theory Chapter 8 – Summary The Positive Theory of Accounting 8.1 Outline In the text, Scott defines Positive accounting theory (PAT) as: “concerned with predicting such actions as the choices of accounting policies by firms and how firms will respond to proposed new accounting standards.” (263) PAT uses theory to predict the choices that management will make regarding their choice of accounting policies. This theory is introduced as a way to merge efficient securities markets with economic consequences. PAT takes the view that firms will conduct themselves in the way that maximizes their own best interests. Managers do not always do what is best for shareholders, but what will be the most beneficial to their organization. The choices that an organization makes are dependant on what industry they are in, and the factors within that industry. An organization can be portrayed by the contracts it enters into. A firm’s contracts with employees, suppliers, lenders, and shareholders are central to its operations. The organization is inclined to keep these contract costs as low as possible. PAT emphasizes that an organization’s choice of accounting policies is motivated by keeping contract costs down. PAT does not propose that organizations completely identify what accounting policies they will use. Such specification is costly to commit to, and does not give management the opportunity to respond to unforeseen circumstances. Managers...
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...Positive accounting theory (PAT) is a general term for any theory that provides descriptive information regarding the behavior of accountants. The title has been used by Watts and Zimmerman and this is largely an expansion of previous studies carried out firstly by Fama and later by Ball & Brown in the 1960’s. In looking at the apparent acceptance by politicians, firms and wide publication in academic journals PAT could easily be mistaken as being a success. A deeper analysis of the premises of PAT, its questionable scientific status, and the groups upon whom this theory has appealed to would suggest that it is flawed on many levels and is little more than an argument for deregulation and market capitalism. This opposes its claim to be a useful theory used regularly by those concerned with the effects of accounting policy on the status of the firm. The Premises of Positive Accounting Theory Positive Accounting Theory finds its roots with the Efficient Market Hypothesis (EMH). The EMH was developed by Fama in the 1960’s and is based on economic principles and assumes a perfect market where there is information symmetry and no transaction costs. The semi strong form of EMH argues that capital markets will reflect all information that is publicly available and it is this form that Watts and Zimmerman claim to be predominant. The EMH was used in a study performed by Ball and Brown during the same period. The Ball and Brown study rejected the argument put forward by normative theorists...
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...ACCOUNTING THEORY AND PRACTICE (FAR 600) Teaching and Learning Arrangements (SEMESTER: JAN 2007 – APRIL 2007) COURSE CODE : FAR 600 PROGRAM : BACHELOR OF ACCOUNTING (HONS) CREDIT HOURS : 4 CONTACT HOURS : 4 STATUS : CORE SYNOPSIS This financial accounting course exposes students to accounting theory, corporate accounting policies and financial reporting practices. The importance of history is introduced through a brief discussion on accounting history from both experiences of both western and Muslim Civilization. In understanding the theoretical framework of accounting, the various perspectives on financial accounting theory are examined with particular emphasis on their rationale and implications on accounting practice. General concepts of theory formulation are discussed and types of accounting perspectives and research are also introduced in this course. Corporate Accounting Policies are explained by the development of the Conceptual Framework and the Importance of a Regulatory Environment. The Standard Setting process in Malaysia is discussed. An analytical approach of the accounting standards is adopted by examining the recognition, measurement, disclosure and presentation of accounting information is discussed. Significant emphasis is placed on Asset Measurement, Nature of Liabilities, Types of Equity, Recognition of Revenue and Income Finally contemporary accounting practices and...
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...paper examines the development of positive accounting theory (PAT) and compares it with three standard accounts of science. There is some confusion about what PAT is. If the definition of accounting theory (i.e., accounting theory seeks to explain and predict accounting and auditing practice) given in Watts and Zimmerman’s 1986 book is taken to mean PAT, studies of accounting choices and auditing practices constitute PAT. At the same time, they also seek to explain the economics-based empirical literature in accounting and they describe, in addition to accounting choice studies, capital market-based accounting research. They point out that Ball and Brown (1968) initially popularized positive research in accounting, suggesting that PAT includes both capital market-based accounting research and research in accounting choices. This paper takes PAT to include both research programs. This usage is consistent with Watts and Zimmerman’s (1986) assertion that when they use the term “positive” to differentiate it from “prescriptive” theory. Positive Accounting Theory and Science by M. Humayun Kabir Senior Lecturer, Faculty of Business Auckland University of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand Abstract This paper examines the development of positive accounting theory (PAT) and compares it with three standard accounts of science: Popper (1959), Kuhn (1996), and Lakatos (1970). PAT has been one of the most influential accounting research programs during the last...
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...Critical Perspectives on Accounting (1996) 7 , 409 – 435 RECONSIDERING THE ‘‘SOCIAL’’ IN POSITIVE ACCOUNTING THEORY: THE CASE OF SITE RESTORATION COSTS DEAN NEU AND CYNTHIA SIMMONS University of Calgary This paper seeks to challenge the hegemony of positive accounting theory explanations of managerial behaviour. We argue that the decontextualized perspective of positive accounting theory is limiting and that changing the perspective offers a more complete explanation of behaviour. Starting from the notion of social relations developed by Marx, we reinterpret positive theory variables as proxies for a subset of the social relations in which managers are embedded. From this perspective, a more inclusive explanation of behaviour can be obtained by considering the entire web of social relations that influence behaviour. To demonstrate the ‘‘cash value’’ of a social relations perspective, accounting for site restoration costs is used as an illustration. The results are consistent with a broad social relations perspective. ÷ 1996 Academic Press Limited Introduction ‘‘[I]t is clear there is a relation between firm’s accounting choice and other firm variables, such as leverage and size and the signs of the relations are mostly consistent across studies. Positive accounting research guided the search for empirical regularities and provided explanations for them. To date, there are no systematic alternative sets of explanations for those regularities articulated and tested...
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...the Article 2 Overview of Positive Accounting 2 Research Question 3 Theoretical Framework: 3 The Significance and Limitations of the Article: 4 Findings of Article 4 Conclusions 5 Bibliography 5 References 6 Introduction The main purpose of this report is to focus the positive accounting theory “Towards a Positive Theory of the Determination of Accounting Standards” and written by (Watts & Zimmerman, 1978) Ross L. Watts and Jerold L. Zimmerman, who indicated with a number of significant research in order to describe and contribute positive accounting theory Summary of the Article The element of this article has found that management wealth are based on accounting standards such as cost of production, (purchase, labour and overhead) taxes, political influence. All of these elements are effect in a different way on the management benefits. One of the main points of this article is that earning policy which means (decreasing profit or increasing profit) affects the company size, reputation of entities and certain standards. As a result of this development, management of the organization wealth will increase in a positive way. It is definitely clear to say that (Watts & Zimmerman, 1978) used solid data from the entities, which produce information to the FASB's Discussion Memorandum on General Price Level Adjustment. Findings of this report include to "choose accounting standards which report lower earnings due to political and regulatory considerations"...
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...136 Positive Accounting Theory and Science JCC Journal of CENTRUM Cathedra ™ Positive Accounting Theory and Science by M. Humayun Kabir Senior Lecturer, Faculty of Business Auckland University of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand Abstract This paper examines the development of positive accounting theory (PAT) and compares it with three standard accounts of science: Popper (1959), Kuhn (1996), and Lakatos (1970). PAT has been one of the most influential accounting research programs during the last four decades. One important reason which Watts & Zimmerman (1986) have used to popularize and legitimize their approach is that their view of accounting theory is the same as that used in science. Thus, it is important to examine how far accounting has been successful in imitating natural science and how the development of PAT compares with the three standard accounts of science. This paper shows that accounting could not emulate the success of natural science. Further, the methodological positions of PAT conform to none of the standard accounts of science. Rather, PAT contains elements of all three. Finally, this paper identifies some methodological gaps in PAT. Keywords: Positive Accounting Theory, Philosophy of Science, Methodological Controversies Acknowledgements I would like to thank two anonymous reviewers of the journal for their helpful comments. Earlier versions of this paper benefited from comments from Lee Parker of the University of South Australia, Keith...
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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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...between a positive and normative accounting theory * Positive Theory seeks to explain and predict particular phenomena * Focuses on relationships between various individuals and how accounting is used to assist in the functioning of these relationships * Normative Theory prescribe how a particular practice should be undertaken Identify the origins of Positive Accounting Theory (PAT) * Assumption: All individual action is driven by self-interest opportunistic behaviour increase wealth does not incorporate notions of loyalty or morality * 1960s: paradigm shift from normative theories * Efficient Markets Hypothesis: capital markets react in an efficient and unbiased manner to publicly available information * Ball & Brown paper: investigated stock market reaction to accounting earnings announcements crucial to the acceptance of the positive research paradigm * Agency theory: explained why the selection of particular accounting method might matter focus: relationship between principals and agents information asymmetries create much uncertainty acceptance of transaction costs and information costs * Relies on traditional economics literature assumptions of self-interest and wealth maximization without having contractual agreements between the agents and the principal the agent will receive a reduced income agents then motivated to enter contracts which appear to limit actions detrimental to agents agency costs: Monitoring...
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...number of normative theories of accounting. In doing so we examined conceptual framework projects which prescribe guidelines for how accounting should be done. We then examined a number of normative theories relating to how profit and the elements of our financial statements should be measured. This week we abandon our normative theories and begin looking at positive theories. In particular we examine a positive theory that we have made mention of a number of times, Positive Accounting Theory or PAT. Upon completion of this module you should have: A clear understanding of how a positive theory differs from a normative theory, The origins of Positive Accounting Theory (PAT) The perceived role of accounting in minimizing the transaction costs of an organisation You should understand: How accounting can be used to reduce the costs associated with various political processes How particular accounting-based agreements with parties such as debtholders and managers can provide incentives for managers to manipulate accounting numbers And some of the criticisms of PAT Before we begin our discussion of specific positive theories we should recap on what a positive theory is and how it differs from the normative theories we have examined in the previous two modules. You will recall from module one and the previous two modules that normative theories prescribe how a particular practice should be undertaken. As was evident in our study of current cost accounting and general price...
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...ACCOUNTING THEORY (FAR 600) Teaching and Learning Arrangements (SEMESTER: SEPT 2013 – JAN. 2014) COURSE CODE : FAR 600 PROGRAM : BACHELOR OF ACCOUNTING (HONS) CREDIT HOURS : 3 CONTACT HOURS : 3 STATUS : CORE TEACHING LECTURER : Prof Dr Rohana Othman OFFICE & PHONE NO. : Room 419 (Off. Tel: 03-55444987) E-MAIL : rohana799@gmail.com SYNOPSIS This course is designed to further enhance the students’ understanding of the concepts and issues in accounting theory and practices. The course involves the study of the practical and theoretical issues involved in the development, implementation and changes in conceptual framework and regulatory framework. COURSE OUTCOME At the end of the course, students should be able to: 1. Discuss the various theories and paradigms in accounting. 2. Demonstrate an understanding on the concept of Islamic Accounting, the need for it and its differences to conventional accounting. 3. Evaluate the evolution of the conceptual framework and standard setting process, nationally and internationally. 4. Evaluate the relationship between accounting theories and framework to the practice in the real world. 5. Analyze the recognition, measurement and other current issues in financial reporting. COURSE OUTLINE |Week |Topic |Contact Hours |Learning...
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