State of the Art - Non-Business Accounting.

Abstract The article presents information about a research study, entitled "Financial Accounting in Nonbusiness Organizations: An Exploratory Study of Conceptual Issues," by Robert N. Anthony. This study was commissioned by the U.S. Financial Accounting Standards Board. This paper calls attention to the need for a unifying theme from which concepts related to both business and non-business accounting might be developed. Anthony suggests that "capital maintenance" could serve as a starting point to build the conceptual framework. The argument for this is that both groups must balance inflows and outflows so as to avoid the erosion of capital if they are to survive. The report opens with a brief review of the current situation regarding the field of "non-business" accounting. There are a number of statements of accounting procedures applicable to such organizations as general or municipal governments, colleges and universities, independent schools, hospitals and other health and welfare agencies, churches, clubs, and museums.