Thought Processes in Creative Accounting.

The thought processes inherent in creative development of accountancy require definition. In his daily practice a professional accountant must devise practical solutions, and always be concerned with the impact of his actions on both clients and colleagues. But productive thought on a newly-conceived hypothesis may be hampered by such professional considerations. Technical face-lifting may be the principal result in these circumstances. Thus the professional man's dilemma is the need to be concerned simultaneously about the meaning of his work, and to face the daily chore of problem-solving with realism. The notion that basic research can be productive without the presence of predetermined technical objectives is just as applicable in accountancy as in any other art or science. Purposeful theorizing or abstract analysis is part of the intellectual responsibility of the professional man. The creative accounting approach to problem-solving starts with a belief that the objectives of any analysis dictate the nature of the input and output valuations adopted. Creative thinking in accounting research leaves room to wonder whether the proven usefulness of extant accounting concepts and technique precludes the possibility of devising a better system of accounting measurement and analysis. Creative accounting can provide the unrestricted search requisite to such improvement.