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Rhetoric in standard setting: the case of the going‐concern audit

Author

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  • Walter Masocha
  • Pauline Weetman

Abstract

Purpose - This paper seeks to explore in depth the ways in which the rhetoric of the standard setter responds to comments received during development of a standard. Design/methodology/approach - Previous research has explored the use of rhetorical strategies in accounting standards to construct and persuade as to what is “good” and to silence potential criticisms and alternative proposals. The exploration is extended to the development of an auditing standard and is strengthened by relating the opinions of lobbyists to the rhetoric used in the response. Findings - The analysis shows that, in a situation where the standard setter's position changed significantly during the exposure of proposals to comment, rhetorical strategies in the exposure draft or standard were adapted to match the changing direction of persuasion, with silencing of potential counter‐argument evidenced in the surrounding explanatory material. Research implications/limitations - The research demonstrates that those using standards should be aware of the normative nature of these documents and the subjectivity inherent in the nature of the text. Originality/value - The paper builds on Young's 2003 paper by exploring the dynamics of the ways in which the rhetoric of the standard setter responds to comment during the consultation process.

Suggested Citation

  • Walter Masocha & Pauline Weetman, 2007. "Rhetoric in standard setting: the case of the going‐concern audit," Accounting, Auditing & Accountability Journal, Emerald Group Publishing Limited, vol. 20(1), pages 74-100, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:eme:aaajpp:v:20:y:2007:i:1:p:74-100
    DOI: 10.1108/09513570710731218
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    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. Davison, Jane, 2011. "Paratextual framing of the annual report: Liminal literary conventions and visual devices," CRITICAL PERSPECTIVES ON ACCOUNTING, Elsevier, vol. 22(2), pages 118-134.
    2. Barbara Masiello & Nicola Moscariello & Pietro Fera, 2018. "Political Marketing Strategies to Foster the Sustainability of Private Transnational Organisations: The Case of the IASB," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 10(8), pages 1-16, July.
    3. Mohammed Hossain & Md. Tarikul Islam & Mahmood Ahmed Momin & Shamsun Nahar & Md. Samsul Alam, 2019. "Understanding Communication of Sustainability Reporting: Application of Symbolic Convergence Theory (SCT)," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 160(2), pages 563-586, December.
    4. Brennan, Niamh M. & Daly, Caroline A. & Harrington, Claire S., 2010. "Rhetoric, argument and impression management in hostile takeover defence documents," The British Accounting Review, Elsevier, vol. 42(4), pages 253-268.
    5. William L. Smith & David M. Boje & Kevin D. Melendrez, 2010. "The financial crisis and mark‐to‐market accounting," Qualitative Research in Accounting & Management, Emerald Group Publishing Limited, vol. 7(3), pages 281-303, August.
    6. Hoffmann, Sebastian & Zülch, Henning, 2014. "Lobbying on accounting standard setting in the parliamentary environment of Germany," CRITICAL PERSPECTIVES ON ACCOUNTING, Elsevier, vol. 25(8), pages 709-723.
    7. Stenka, Renata, 2022. "Beyond intentionality in accounting regulation: Habitual strategizing by the IASB," CRITICAL PERSPECTIVES ON ACCOUNTING, Elsevier, vol. 88(C).
    8. Rouba Chantiri-Chaudemanche, 2012. "Quand Normalisation Comptable Et Rhetorique Font Bon Menage ... Un Essai D'Organisation De La Litterature," Post-Print hal-00936631, HAL.
    9. Stenka, Renata & Jaworska, Sylvia, 2019. "The use of made-up users," Accounting, Organizations and Society, Elsevier, vol. 78(C).
    10. Jane Davison, 2011. "Barthesian perspectives on accounting communication and visual images of professional accountancy," Accounting, Auditing & Accountability Journal, Emerald Group Publishing Limited, vol. 24(2), pages 250-283, February.
    11. Thomas Hermann, 2018. "A rhetorical situation triggers accounting communication. The case of the conflict between the Bank of German States and the Government in 1955/56," CONTABILIT? E CULTURA AZIENDALE, FrancoAngeli Editore, vol. 2018(1), pages 73-118.
    12. Isabelle Fabioux, 2016. "Le processus de normalisation de l’audit : état de l’art et voies de recherches futures," Post-Print hal-01902563, HAL.
    13. Sandra Chapple & Lee Moerman & Kathy Rudkin, 2010. "IFRIC 13: accounting for “customer loyalty programmes”," Accounting Research Journal, Emerald Group Publishing Limited, vol. 23(2), pages 124-145, September.
    14. Jane Davison, 2008. "Rhetoric, repetition, reporting and the “dot.com” era: words, pictures, intangibles," Accounting, Auditing & Accountability Journal, Emerald Group Publishing Limited, vol. 21(6), pages 791-826, August.
    15. Renata Stenka & Peter Taylor, 2010. "Setting UK standards on the concept of control: An analysis of lobbying behaviour," Accounting and Business Research, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 40(2), pages 109-130.
    16. Davison, Jane, 2014. "Visual rhetoric and the case of intellectual capital," Accounting, Organizations and Society, Elsevier, vol. 39(1), pages 20-37.
    17. La Torre, Matteo & Dumay, John & Rea, Michele Antonio & Abhayawansa, Subhash, 2020. "A journey towards a safe harbour: The rhetorical process of the International Integrated Reporting Council," The British Accounting Review, Elsevier, vol. 52(2).
    18. Kim K. Jeppesen, 2010. "Strategies for dealing with standard‐setting resistance," Accounting, Auditing & Accountability Journal, Emerald Group Publishing Limited, vol. 23(2), pages 175-200, February.
    19. Grant Samkin, 2010. "Accounting in the media," Qualitative Research in Accounting & Management, Emerald Group Publishing Limited, vol. 7(3), pages 237-248, August.
    20. Hategan Camelia Daniela & Predictor of Insolvency Risk, 2018. "Auditor's Uncertainty About Going Concern – Predictor of Insolvency Risk," Ovidius University Annals, Economic Sciences Series, Ovidius University of Constantza, Faculty of Economic Sciences, vol. 0(2), pages 605-610, December.

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