Implications of formal grammars for accounting policy development

The problems of accounting policy formulation are approached using the methods of formal language theory. The use of a formal grammar makes it possible to provide a clearer logical basis for the arguments for and against particular pronouncements of the FASB in three areas: possibility, consistency...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inJournal of accounting and public policy Vol. 4; no. 2; pp. 123 - 148
Main Authors Stephens, Ray G., Dillard, Jesse F., Dennis, David K.
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published New York Elsevier Inc 01.01.1985
Elsevier
New York, NY :North Holland,c1982
Elsevier Sequoia S.A
SeriesJournal of Accounting and Public Policy
Subjects
Accounting policies
Accounting standards
Accounting theory
Conflicts
FASB statements
Languages
Policy making
Semantics
Theory
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Summary:The problems of accounting policy formulation are approached using the methods of formal language theory. The use of a formal grammar makes it possible to provide a clearer logical basis for the arguments for and against particular pronouncements of the FASB in three areas: possibility, consistency and resolution of accounting principles. Two examples are presented that suggest ways in which many different questions of accounting policy can be raised and answered. A linguistic framework for classifying accounting pronouncements is presented. Accounting as a formal language is evaluated together with speculation on the implications for accounting policy development.
ISSN:0278-4254
1873-2070
DOI:10.1016/0278-4254(85)90015-8