Accounting in Context of Communication, Language and Information Theories: A Partial Analysis

Abstract:     
Accounting at various times has been referred to as a communication process, a language, and a conveyor of information. Given this condition, an analysis of accounting in terms of the theories relating to those references would enable an understanding of: (1) how well the parts of accounting conform with language theory; (2) how communication theory can aid in the clarification and improvement of the accounting communication process; and (3) how relevant is information theory for the refinement of accounting information. This study is a partial analysis which presents some implications of those theories for accounting.

Number of Pages in PDF File: 16

Keywords: Financial reporting, financial statements and notes, Neutrality, structure assignment algorithm, predictability, accounting information as message

JEL Classification: M41, D83, G14

working papers series