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offset equation, due to its importance and vast misunderstanding
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'''Accounting''' is the method by which an organization measures the use of [[assets]] and [[liabilities]] against [[money]]. It is an indispensable tool and prerequisite to modern day capitalism.<ref name="weber">[[Max Weber]], ''General Economic History'', trans. Frank H. Knight (New York, NY: Collier Books, 1961) 208-209</ref> Double book entry accounting is a method by which every economic action must affect two accounts so that they balance in the equation: Assets - Liabilities = Equity.  
'''Accounting''' is the method by which an organization measures the use of [[assets]] and [[liabilities]] against [[money]]. It is an indispensable tool and prerequisite to modern day capitalism.<ref name="weber">[[Max Weber]], ''General Economic History'', trans. Frank H. Knight (New York, NY: Collier Books, 1961) 208-209</ref> Double book entry accounting is a method by which every economic action must affect two accounts so that they balance in the equation:<blockquote>'''Assets - Liabilities = Equity'''</blockquote>.  
 
== Recent Developments ==
== Recent Developments ==



Revision as of 19:33, 6 February 2011

Accounting is the method by which an organization measures the use of assets and liabilities against money. It is an indispensable tool and prerequisite to modern day capitalism.[1] Double book entry accounting is a method by which every economic action must affect two accounts so that they balance in the equation:

Assets - Liabilities = Equity

.

Recent Developments

Modern day capital accounting in the United States is under the standard Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has proposed a movement to international financial reporting standards or IFRS.

Economic calculation directs the actions of individual business persons. "Economic logic prevails over the technological," says Schumpeter.[2] The transition to a world standard of accounting may impart some benefits, for example: "...in more efficient functioning of capital markets and a lower cost of capital for the economy as a whole." [3] In sum, the method of economic calculation has importance in economic analysis.


References

  1. Max Weber, General Economic History, trans. Frank H. Knight (New York, NY: Collier Books, 1961) 208-209
  2. Joseph Schumpeter, The Theory of Economic Development, trans. Redvers Opie (Cambridge, Massachusetts: Harvard University Press, 1961) 14
  3. Statement of Financial Accounting Concepts, No. 8 [1] QC37