Accounting as discursive construction: the relationship between Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 106 and the dismantling of retiree health benefits
Article Abstract:
The impact of the passage of Statement of Financial Accounting Standard No 106 on retiree health benefits was examined. The accounting standard, which requires companies to accrue a liability for unfunded retiree health benefits, was considered responsible for the reduction in such benefits. An examination of government documents on congressional hearings as well as media reports showed that there were two competing discursive constructions of the retiree health benefit crisis. The first construction viewed retiree health benefits as moral obligations that businesses were trying to avoid while the second portrayed them as unexpected liabilities that threaten the survival of corporations. It was found that firms use the second discursive construction to minimize resistance to employee benefit reductions.
Publication Name: Accounting, Organizations and Society
Subject: Business
ISSN: 0361-3682
Year: 1998
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Accounting for business combinations
Article Abstract:
The Accounting Standards Board (AcSB) of the Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants is collaborating with the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) of the US to develop harmonized accounting standards for business combinations in North America. The two governing bodies have been conferring with each other regarding issues related to such issues as purchase accounting, pooling-of-interests and accounting for goodwill and other intangibles acquired in a business combination. The AcSB expects to release an exposure draft on accounting for business combinations in 2nd qtr 1999.
Publication Name: CA Magazine
Subject: Business
ISSN: 0317-6878
Year: 1999
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An actuarial action plan
Article Abstract:
The Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants' introduction of Sec 3461 in its handbook will significantly affect the profits and capital positions of many companies, particularly those which provide retiree benefits such as health-care coverage and life insurance. Sec 3461 is a new standard which must be adopted no later than the FYs beginning on or after Jan 1, 2000. Firms possess a limited but valuable period of time during which they may assess the standard's impact and develop a strategy for its implementation.
Publication Name: CA Magazine
Subject: Business
ISSN: 0317-6878
Year: 1999
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