assist with planning) TOPIC: Discuss positive accounting theory and contrast it with normative accounting theory. Provide examples where appropriate. The purpose of this essay is to provide an overview of positive accounting theory (PAT) and highlight how this theory differs to normative accounting theory. Definitions and assumptions of both theories will be considered and examples of the theories will be provided. In addition specific theories related to PAT namely agency and the
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Compare and contrast normative and positive accounting approaches: Definition of PAT: Watts and Zimmerman (1986) defined Pat as a theory that seeks to explain and predicts particular phenomenon. It is concerned with explaining accounting practice. The three basic hypotheses as outlined by Watts and Zimmerman (1978) underlying PAT are: 1. Bonus plan hypothesis: The bonus plan hypothesis is that managers of firms with bonus plans are more likely to use accounting methods that increase current period
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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
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What is Positive Accounting Theory? Positive Accounting Theory is the branch of academic research in accounting that tries to make good predictions of real world events and translate them to accounting transactions. This contrasts with normative accounting theory‚ which that tries to recommend what should be done. Positive Theories try to explain and predicts actions such as which accounting policies firms will choose and how firms will react to newly proposed accounting standards. Positive
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Positive Accounting Theory: A Ten Year Perspective Author(s): Ross L. Watts and Jerold L. Zimmerman Reviewed work(s): Source: The Accounting Review‚ Vol. 65‚ No. 1 (Jan.‚ 1990)‚ pp. 131-156 Published by: American Accounting Association Stable URL: http://www.jstor.org/stable/247880 . Accessed: 31/10/2011 02:22 Your use of the JSTOR archive indicates your acceptance of the Terms & Conditions of Use‚ available at . http://www.jstor.org/page/info/about/policies/terms.jsp JSTOR is a not-for-profit service
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POSITIVE ACCOUNTING THEORY‚ POLITICAL COSTS AND SOCIAL DISCLOSURE ANALYSES: A CRITICAL LOOK* Markus J. Milne Accountancy and Business Law University of Otago Dunedin New Zealand Ph: 64-3-479-8120 Fax: 64-3-479-8450 Email: mmilne@commerce.otago.ac.nz * The author would like to thank Alan MacGregor‚ Carolyn Stringer‚ Gregory Liyanararchchi‚ Ros Whiting and an anonymous conference reviewer for their helpful comments on earlier drafts of this paper. Thanks are also due to seminar participants
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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
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Positive Accounting Theory • Sometimes abbreviated as PAT • Explains and predicts accounting practice • Does not seek to prescribe particular actions • Grounded in economic theory • Focuses on the relationships between various individuals involved in providing resources to an organisation (agency relationship) • Owners and managers • Managers and debt providers Positive Accounting Theory • Assumptions of PAT • All individual action is driven
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critical theorists assess research based on the Positive Accounting Theory? Accounting researchers tend to accept current accounting systems. Rather than focusing on why accounting systems favour certain classes of society‚ research is mainly carried out to such things as what accounting methods are most appropriate in certain circumstances‚ what motivates managers to use one accounting method over another and disclosure. By looking at accounting with a critical perspective is to recognise the way
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Positive Accounting Positive economic theory and accounting practices are objective and based on fact. Positive accounting focuses on analyzing the economic statistics and data at hand‚ and deriving conclusions based on those figures. For example‚ if corporate growth allows a company to increase shareholder dividends over previous dividend payments‚ positive accounting theory would conclude that corporate growth causes a rise in stockholder dividends. Most bookkeeping and data collection involved
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