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The Positive And Normative Theory Of Accounting Practice

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The definition of accounting theory according to Coetsee (2010) is described in two different ways. The first philosophy concludes that accounting theory is a set of general principles that guide the evolution of accounting practice. The other philosophy describes accounting theory as activity of explaining and predicting accounting practice. What the viewer can see from the statement of the first philosophy is that the accounting theory exists before accounting practices meanwhile the latter states that the accounting practice exists before the theory. Since there are many arguments about this matter, many academic researchers have concluded that accounting theory can be divided into two categories which are positive and normative theory. …show more content…

The principles are the result from the accounting practice that has been used and improved over the time. The deeper explanation about the statement is that, accounting standard such as IFRS is created based on the previous accounting practice itself rather the theories. The theories are useful in guiding the other field like finance and economics. There is also evidence that the accounting theory exists after standard has been practiced (Cluskey, Ehlen and Rivers 2007). The father of accounting, Luca Pacioli explained about double-entry booking in one of his studies. The study described the practice and explained to the readers the logic behind it. The research had given birth to dozens of studies made by theorist to further discuss about the accounting practice. By this evidence, the readers can also conclude that not only the standard that exist from accounting practice but in fact, accounting theory also exist to explain the nature of the practice. Back to the purpose of this paper, accounting theory plays no role in the setting of accounting standard is approved by two points: the process of setting accounting standard itself is a political activity and the development of accounting standard is influence by the existing accounting practice not accounting

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