Title: The use of impression management to promote 'starve the beast' policies

Authors: Amy M. Hageman, Vicky Arnold, Steve G. Sutton

Addresses: University of Central Florida, Kenneth G. Dixon School of Accounting, P.O. Box 161400, Orlando, FL 32816-1400, USA. ' University of Central Florida, Kenneth G. Dixon School of Accounting, P.O. Box 161400, Orlando, FL 32816-1400, USA. ' University of Central Florida, Kenneth G. Dixon School of Accounting, P.O. Box 161400, Orlando, FL 32816-1400, USA

Abstract: This study explores the use of impression management techniques promoting tax policy consistent with starve the beast (STB) policies. We employ thematic content analysis to examine how the |independent| Federal Reserve Board (FRB) under Alan Greenspan used impression management tactics mimicking Bush|s White House in promoting the 2001 Economic Growth & Revenue Reconciliation Act. Results confirm impression management technique use to market STB policies undermining society|s interests. Results suggest Greenspan|s advocacy failed to preserve FRB independence by taking a political position using impression management techniques mirroring White House strategies. Greenspan|s stance was inconsistent with the FRB|s charter, setting a dangerous precedence that erodes the FRB|s independence. This suggests the FRB|s lack of regulatory oversight blamed for snowballing the 2008 economic crisis was potentially driven by attempts to align the FRB with the neoconservative White House. This partisan activity threatens long-term foundations of US monetary policy, which has significant global implications.

Keywords: critical accounting; impression management; starve the beast; STB; tax policy; Federal Reserve Board; FRB; monetary policy; neoconservatism; neoliberalism; content analysis; regulatory oversight; USA; United States.

DOI: 10.1504/IJCA.2009.025334

International Journal of Critical Accounting, 2009 Vol.1 No.1/2, pp.123 - 143

Published online: 19 May 2009 *

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