Frank H. Selto, Hugh D. Grove, The Predictive Power of Voting Power Indices: FASB Voting on Statements of Financial Accounting Standards Nos. 45-69, Journal of Accounting Research, Vol. 21, No. 2 (Autumn, 1983), pp. 619-622

The allegations and conclusions of the Metcalf report (U.S. Senate [1977]) motivated attempts to explain or refute the notion that the setting of financial accounting standards is controlled by special interest groups (Haring [1979], Hussein and Ketz [1980], Patton [1980], and Newman [1981a; 1981b]). Given the assumptions of the voting model tested in each case, the results suggest no apparent control of the Financial Accounting Standards Board by the so-called accounting establishmentBig public accounting firms and their clients. Each of these studies examined the past voting behavior of accounting policy bodies and tested hypotheses regarding certain sorts of coalition formation, primarily coalitions of public accountants from Big Eight firms. Even though there was no evidence of control by the Big Eight, Newman [1981a] argued that the Big Eight still had the potential to control the FASB. His argument was supported by a priori calculations of real voting power indices of a possible bloc of FASB representatives drawn from these largest public accounting firms. Newman's calculations rest on three forms of critical assumptions underlying the application of a priori real voting power indices to actual voting situations. These assumptions affect the outcomes and the relevance of voting power indices for such analyses. The objectives of this

Attitude research in accounting has utilized numerous methodologies to study various topics of interest. However, the substantiation of the research techniques sometimes leaves a void which obscures the results, This paper presents a model which, if followed, allows for reliability and validity tests to be conducted which provide for acceptance of the attitude scales as viable measurement and theoretical research methods. When acceptable instruments are employed, the concepts tested can then enhance the goal of theoretical advancement. The instrument-issue controversy is dealt with through a review of attitude research in accounting. Positive comments and constructive criticisms are made. The "so-what" question of construct validity is analyzed: does it really matter if accounting attitude research is undertaken ? The implication is that if the researcher does not consider the guidelines of the attitude model, the "so-what" issue may negate the potential contribution of such research.

ABSTRACT: Starting with the increased role of nonprofit organizations and mounting pressures for accountability, this paper reviews several contemporary approaches used to achieve performance evaluation in nonprofit service organizations. An analysis of the deficiencies of social indicators, PPB systems and cost-benefit analysis leads to prospective cost-analytic solutions focusing upon costs and outcomes of service programs. In developing these solutions, cost-outcome is emphasized as fundamental to building viable cost-effectiveness analyses for service program evaluation and accountability. Conceptual discussions of related outcome issues follow. A detailed mental health example illustrates the application of the combined cost-outcome and cost-effectiveness methodology in assessing nonprofit performance for decision-making purposes.