The utopian accounting debate: changing word meaning for a changing world
by Frederic Compin
International Journal of Economics and Accounting (IJEA), Vol. 1, No. 1/2, 2010

Abstract: This paper deals with the essential question: 'is it possible to reform accounting terminology?' It explores how account manipulation can be achieved not only by fudging figures, but also by manipulating the surrounding syntax; in other words, the language itself. Thus, given that words carry both psychological and sociological connotations, the notion of accounting terminology reform carries a utopian dimension. This paper highlights the lack of language concepts in accounting language that recognise both positive and negative externalities arising from the economics and wealth of human resources and proposes a utopian vision to create noun phrases that would incorporate the notion of sustainable development at the very heart of economic exchanges.

Online publication date: Sat, 03-Jul-2010

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