Principles‐ versus rules‐based accounting standards: the FASB's standard setting strategy

George J. Benston · Michael Bromwich · Alfred Wagenhofer

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Accounting Theory and Financial Reporting Auditing, Earnings Management, Governance Accounting Education and Careers

Abstract

In response to criticism of rules‐based accounting standards and Section 108(d) of the Sarbanes‐Oxley Act of 2002, the SEC proposed principles‐based (or ‘objectives‐oriented’) standards. We identify several shortcomings with this approach and focus on two of them. First, the format (type) of a standard is dependent on the contents of what the standard regulates. Given the asset/liability approach combined with fair values, we argue that the combination of this measurement concept with principles‐based standards is inconsistent because it requires significant guidance for management judgment. Second, we propose the inclusion of a true‐and‐fair override as a necessary requirement for any format that is more than ‘principles‐only’ to deal with inconsistencies between principles and guidance. We discuss the benefits of this override and present evidence from the United Kingdom's experience.

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References

2002Evidence from Auditors about Managers' and Auditors' Earnings Management Decisions 2005Economic Effects of Tightening Accounting Standards to Restrict Earnings Management 2003Principles-Based Accounting Standards 2002“Political” Lobbying on Proposed Standards: A Challenge to the IASB

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