Methodological Preconditions and Problems of A General Theory of Accounting.

Abstract The article discusses methodological preconditions and problems of a general theory of accounting. The last fifteen years of accounting history seem to be part of a transition period replacing the loose traditional approach by more rigorous methods. Although spanning over considerable time this transition continues, most likely transgressing into the eighties, and promises to cause a major break in the evolution of our discipline. From time to time, the need arises to look at past research activity from the bird's perspective with the aim of an overall survey. Such is the intent of the following investigation which tries to fit recent research efforts into this five-point pattern, and which examines major methodological and related problems still to be solved before this phase of transition is completed. Prior to such an investigation it may be opportune to avoid some misunderstandings. The ultimate purpose of accounting is to provide managerial information systems satisfactory or even optimal for specific needs. That this should be done through systematic testing and by means of an instrumental theory commensurate to needs as well as scientific means at our disposal, hardly appears to be an unreasonable quest.