The analytics of relations of power between regulated companies in the UK and the Accounting Standards Committee.

The primary focus of this study is with the interactions and power relations between UK companies and other persons and organisations (who directly or indirectly are involved with their concerns) and the Accounting Standards Committee(RSC). Such a concern is explored at both the general level (i.e interactions and power relations about the process of setting accounting standards more generally) and on the specific level (i.e the depreciation and leasing standards). Th. contents of this study can be seen to be divided into three major parts. The first, presents a case for, and describes the nature of, a methodological approach based on Foucault's philosophy. The second, building on the first, takes a critical look at literature related to the concern of this study, paying particular attention to Its epistemological and methodological underpinnings. The third part, building again on the first, traces the micro —powers (techniques of power ) exercised between UK companies (directly or indirectly) and the ASC. In so doing, the study demonstrates and lends support to the following points. Firstly, to fully understand, the interactions and power relations between UK companies and the ASC concerning particular standards requires an uncovering of the wider context of interactions between the other interested parties and the RSC. In addition, these interactions should be placed in the wider context of interactions concerning the process of setting accounting standards more generally. Secondly, any change in the standards and the process of setting them, as visible events, are preceded and surrounded with Invisible interactions and power relations between UK companies and other interested parties and the ASC. Thirdly, these interactions have been expressed through both visible and invisible procedures and processes. These different forms of interaction are presented at every stage in the formulation of any standard. Fourthly, and finally, power exercised In the process of setting accounting standard on both a general and specific level has disciplinary, relational, and positive aspects.