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.