deficiencies associated with rules-based standards. The
SEC recommended that those involved in the standard-setting
process more consistently develop accounting standards
that are principles-based or objectives-oriented
(Securities and Exchange Commission, 2003); in general,
the FASB agreed with the SEC’s findings (Financial
Accounting Standards Board, 2004). As a consequence, a
move towards principles-based standards has been proposed.
However, there is little comprehensive analysis
and evidence on the attributes of accounting numbers produced
by the existing system that can be used to assess the
merits of these recommendations.