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The Conceptual Framework as a Coherent System for the Development of Accounting Standards

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  • Brian Booth

Abstract

The Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) visualized a conceptual accounting framework as a ‘coherent system of interrelated objectives and fundamentals that can lead to consistent standards that prescribes the nature, function, and limits of financial accounting and financial statements’ (FASB, 1976). To Australian standard setters, the primary purpose of the conceptual framework (CF) was only to be used as a ‘guide’ in developing and reviewing accounting standards (AASB, 1995, para. 5). The International Accounting Standards Committee (IASC) diminished the role of a conceptual framework even further by openly acknowledging that some standards are inconsistent with the guidelines offered by the framework (IASC, 1989 para. 12). Even though the Australian Accounting Standards Board (AASB) supposedly pursues a policy of harmonization of conceptual frameworks and accounting standards, there are also acknowledged inconsistencies in the conceptual frameworks of the IASC. The aim of this article is to assess the coherence of the Australian (and IASC) conceptual framework. This analysis identifies confusion in drafting or construction of the conceptual framework, internal inconsistencies, and inconsistency with the legal framework within which business entities operate. Accordingly it is suggested that the adoption of a conceptual framework will not lead to consistent accounting standards, and inevitably the conceptual framework will lack credibility so long as it is inconsistent with legislation.

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  • Brian Booth, 2003. "The Conceptual Framework as a Coherent System for the Development of Accounting Standards," Abacus, Accounting Foundation, University of Sydney, vol. 39(3), pages 310-324, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:abacus:v:39:y:2003:i:3:p:310-324
    DOI: 10.1111/j.1467-6281.2003.00135.x
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    1. R. G. Walker & Stewart Jones, 2003. "Measurement: A Way Forward," Abacus, Accounting Foundation, University of Sydney, vol. 39(3), pages 356-374, October.
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    1. Guilherme Belloque & Martina K Linnenluecke & Mauricio Marrone & Abhay K Singh & Rui Xue, 2021. "55 years of Abacus: Evolution of Research Streams and Future Research Directions," Abacus, Accounting Foundation, University of Sydney, vol. 57(3), pages 593-618, September.
    2. Marco Sorrentino & Margherita Smarra & Massimiliano Farina Briamonte, 2021. "Lease Accounting: Back into the Past—A General Review of Different Theoretical Approaches," International Journal of Business and Management, Canadian Center of Science and Education, vol. 15(2), pages 136-136, July.
    3. Steinar Sars Kvifte, 2008. "Revisiting the Concepts: Time to Challenge the Asset-Liability View," Australian Accounting Review, CPA Australia, vol. 18(1), pages 81-92, March.
    4. Rolf Uwe Fülbier & Joerg‐Markus Hitz & Thorsten Sellhorn, 2009. "Relevance of Academic Research and Researchers' Role in the IASB's Financial Reporting Standard Setting," Abacus, Accounting Foundation, University of Sydney, vol. 45(4), pages 455-492, December.
    5. El-Tawy, Nevine & Tollington, Tony, 2013. "Some thoughts on the recognition of assets, notably in respect of intangible assets," Accounting forum, Elsevier, vol. 37(1), pages 67-80.
    6. Sheila Ellwood & Sue Newbury, 2006. "A bridge too far: a common conceptual framework for commercial and public benefit entities," Accounting and Business Research, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 36(1), pages 19-32.

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